Job Search Tips and Advice - Applicant

Job Search and Online Presence : The Ultimate Guide

Mark — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:24:57 PST

This week we talked about why a blog is must for job hunters and how to make the most out of an online job search. Since we have been talking online job search this week, we wanted to create a guide that talks about different platforms and how you can utilize each of them.

Gone are the days when people used to knock on doors to pick up job application forms. More people have started utilizing the power of internet and harnessing the social aspect of it via popular platforms such as twitter, linkedin, facebook etc. Although these platforms are essential to building contacts and reaching out to prospective employers, there are other ways the web can help you land your dream job. In this post we will cover a few of the things that each and every job applicant should keep in mind and apply to make sure there job search online becomes worth the effort. The only thing we all need to keep in mind is that the potential and the results may not be visible right away, but in the long run it can make a lot of difference and help you stand out from others.

Blog

If you want to create a presence on the social web, a blog is a must. You don’t have to update it everyday but with timely and valuable information from time to time it can help build a following and help you ain the exposure you need.

Showcase your skills
Share your story and build a personal relationship
Communicate with you readers
Your readers are in fact employees and employers
If you are a financial planner, give them an example how you have been able to control your finances. People love personal stories. Build a liking in your niche and lleverage your skills by reaching out.
45things.com

Twitter

Twitter is the hottest and one of the most useful platforms for job seekers. It’s ability to provide information in real time and connect with potential recruiters and employers can be a huge benefit. Make sure to use twitter’s search function by plugging in keywords that are specific to kind of jobs you are looking for.

Network and connect with others
Don’t worry about the quantity (no. Of followers) think about valuable contact
Interact and share your expertise
Use the search feature
Connect with employees of the company that you are looking to work for. Get the inside scoop
Twitter Search

LinkedIn may not be as popular as Facebook or Twitter when it comes to social media platforms, but it certainly is one that you can’t miss out on. LinkedIn houses millions of employees and employers as it is a place for professional networking. Get on it and reach out to others.

Connect with employers and recruiters
Participate in groups and share your knowledge
Give and get recommendations
Create a compelling and complete profile. Think of it as your online resume.
Create a group for people in your field and be acticve
Visual Guide To LinkedIn For Job Hunters

Facebook

Mostly used by friends and family to connect with each other, the power of Facebook cannot be ignored. With millions of users actively using this platform to connect with each other, it’s a must to be on the Facebook scene. While connecting with friends and families you might come across their contacts who might be looking to hire someone and you might just fit the bill.

Gain exposure on a platform everyone seems to be using
BeÂ apart of Facebook groups
Use it to create an existence and visibility on one of the hottest platforms
Be social and interact with others.
Utilize facebook applications that might help you connect with others.Facebook

Digg, Reddit,etc.

These sites can’t help you land a job directly as there is not a huge social aspect to them. These sites are usually used for content promotion but that is where it can be useful. Share your expertise via your blog and get yourself on these sites. Valuable content gets seen and rewarded by viewers and within those thousands of viewers there might be someone who is willing to give you a try. It doesn’t hurt to try. Just be careful with these sites. Spamming isn’t the solution. Solution is to create compelling content with active participation.

Use to promote content that appeals based on your niche
Make sure to study each platform before you thin of using it
If you are into SEO, digg isn’t ideal but Sphinn is
These sites have a massive number of users and your content on frontpage might bring you interest from prospective employers
Participate and be activedigg

Instant Messaging

Instant messaging is the most personal means of communicating on the web. If you can get an employer or recruiter to get in touch with you via IM, you have been working your social media magic pretty good when it comes to job search.

Make sure your screen name is appropriate
Avoid using internet slang and be as professional as you can be
Give the person on the other end some time to reply. Just because it’s instant messaging doesn’t mean everyone has time to reply instantly
Add your IM information to your other social profiles
Having your IM information allows employers/recruiters to get in touch with you instantly when both parties are online. Much better than send and wait approach via email
skype

Firefox

Although Firefox is just a browser, it’s a browser with heap of options to make your life easier, both personal and professional. Utilize Firefox’s options and add ons to cut the time you search jobs online into half.

Utilize the add ons.
Search for ways the browser can help cut job search time
Download add ons that might be helpful such as linkedin connections, twitter job search,etc.

Firefox Add-Ons : search for add ons with keywords “job,” “job search,” etc.

Blog Subscription

There are thousands of blogs on the web and there are some very good information floating around on the web to help job seekers. Subscribe to these blogs and stay current with news and tips.

Make use of the RSS option most blogs and sites have
Subscribe and stay current with the latest on your niche or field of expertise
Don’t just read, participate and add values to that particular blog’s community
Create a presence and be active to utilize someone else’s blog to gain exposure
Follow sites that provide job tips but also follow sites that offer insight into your field of expertise.Subscribe to applicant.com

Job Search Sites

Make sure you scour the thousands of job sites that are on the internet. Try and pick ones that post job listings that fit your skill level and check back each every day. CareerBuilder, Monster, TwitterJobSearch, etc. can be very useful when it comes to finding jobs from the comfort of your home.

Blogs are essential for job tips and advice but make sure to utilize job search sites.
Utilize google but don’t forget twitter and other search options such as twitter’s search function
Create accounts on job search sites and subscribe to the feeds if they provide one
Keep looking each and every day
Use any external features such as Firefox add-ons, Facebook application, etc. to help you utilize these sites even more
60+ Sites To Put Your Job Search at Ease

Google

I am sure most of you use google to help you find things on the web. However, google can be a powerful job search tool and not just a search engine.

Sign up for google alerts for new job openings or to see what is current on your field
Use google gadgets
Utilize google docs to create documents and collaborate
Use google base which is equivalent to Craigslist but not as good
Use proper keywords and be a smart searcher while using google search
Google Alerts

Craigslist

Who hasn’t heard or used Craigslist? Craigslist has become the biggest online classified site and with it comes a wide range of job listings.

Search for jobs in your area by choosing the state and city you live in
Find out who is hiring before heading out to drop applications
Plan your route by watching job postings on Craigslist that relates to your field and is closer to your location
Craigslist Job Board effectiveness

Online presence has become a must and it is beneficial to have accounts on several social platforms. However, one needs to keep in mind that your trail on the social web is everywhere so be careful how you utilize these platforms. The other thing about using social media platforms is the amount of time it requires to maintain and participate. My suggestion would be to spend a few minutes on each of them every day and pick a few that seem to help the most and be active. The key is to have a presence so that when employers are looking for their ideal candidate you are visible.

Online Job Search and How To Make The Most Out Of It

Mark — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:17:06 PST

Most of you who have been reading applicant for quite some time know that when it comes to job search, we think the web can’t be ignored, not anymore. Of course, a hand shake and face to face conversation still beats all forms of virtual connections but the use of web for job hunt purposes is of as much importance.

The evolution of the internet has given us tools to connect and facilitate conversation among many other things. These conversation and connections overtime can lead to healthy relationships which can help you land a job. Even if you have a job, having a presence online and following these tips will keep you prepared if you ever become available in the market. That’s when these tips will matter the most. But thinking forward is the best way to tackle things so even if you aren’t looking for a job today, the tips below are crucial and will aide your job search if there ever is a need.

Create a Profile and Connect

One of the key things that you need to do in todays “internet run” world is to have a profile up on multiple sites. If you are going to use it primarily to search for jobs or for professional contacts, keep that in mind. Some of the places you should start a profile and stay connected are Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. among many others. When connecting with people on these platforms do not try and connect with your existing contacts alone but reach out to others. Think of it as a virtual gathering where you can introduce yourself, carry the conversation and build a professional relationship.

Buy a Domain and Run a Site

It is most likely that a domain with your name exists. For example if your name is John Doe and you can’t find a domain for that particular name, try adding your middle name or other variations to it. You can buy a domain for around $10 or less. Once you have the domain consider starting a portfolio site. Whether it’s a blog where you write or a static page highlighting your work, it’s important in todays world to have your own presence. If you don’t want to put too much time into bulding a portfolio, you can just get the domain, pick a hosting service and get a page up with basic information such as name, address, email etc. If you wish you can put your resume as a static page itself depending on how much information you want to post publicly.

Find What Google Says About You

We are almost positive that any company that is thinking of hiring you will run a search on you on the web. Before they do the research, step up and do a little research by yourself. Use google and other search engines to see what comes up when you type in your name. If you see something that might be a potential threat in terms of landing a job, see if you can find a solution to correct it. For example, if your drunk images from flickr account is showing up on google, you can take those off or make it private so the employer doesn’t see it. This is another good reason to have a personal blog or site with a domain that is your full name because most likely it will show up when potential employers search for you on search engines.

Get More Information On The Company

When it comes to researching, research shouldn’t be limited to just yourself. Make sure to get the ins and outs of the company you are applying for. This helps you get an idea as to what you are getting into. Also it will help you be a lot comfortable and confident when you face the interviewer. There are many sites that will help you gain information about a company. Of course you can start out with google or wikipedia but make sure to use company search sites as well to gather more data and information.

Too Much Information Isn’t Necessarily Good

One of the key reason many job applicants find it hard to find a job via online sources is because they follow too many things. Make sure to streamline what you are looking for. Whether it’s blogs or job search sites, more isn’t always good. Make sure to focus your search and narrow down what you want out of them. If you are looking for jobs in certain field may be you could follow blogs and job search sites that cater to those field specifically instead looking for information everywhere. De-clutter the information so you don’t go through information overload.

Share your thoughts.

5 Reasons a Blog Is a Must For Job Hunters

Mark — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 01:52:17 PST

Today there are very few people that are active on the web and don’t have a blog. Although many people use personal diaries that hide under their pillows, an online diary (blog) has gained popularity in recent years. The popularity and the hype surrounding the notion that every one should have an existence on the web, at least in the form of a blog is quite justified. Blogging gives the writer and other users a platform to build a community which will eventually help in many facets of life including job hunt.

Today I want to focus on how blogging can directly help when it comes to landing a dream job. Whether you are looking for a job after a layoff or simply looking for an alternative way to earn a little extra, I hope these tips will come in handy.

Helps You Reach a Certain Group of People

Most blogs focus on a specific niche. If you are a web designer your blog most likely will highlight posts related to web designing. Your readers and visitors that have been following your content know that you are good at what you do. Besides, your blog serves as a portfolio for you work. Even if your blog isn’t niche specific and is just an online journal where you share your day to day life, it still reaches a certain demographics that might be interested in what you do.

Blog Is Your Own Media

You get to reach out and let others know whether or not you are available for work. Although most people say you need to participate on different social media platforms, most people fail to realize that your very own blog is the most effective platform. Other social media platforms are a supplement to your blog to utilize and grow your network of potential employers, referrers and friends.

Anyone Can Use Blog as a Job Search Tool

One thing that each and every individual needs to realize is that you don’t have to have a certain skill to have a blog or be approached by potential employer. For example, a truck driver may think that a blog doesn’t really serve his skill. Think again. There are many people who drive trucks for a living and many that are planning to choose this as their work. What if your blog talked about different routes that are easier for drivers to make it to a destination quicker? Your truck driving blog could give tips to people who might be looking to learn about truck driving ( take a look at truck driving blog). If you share enough helpful content and tips to the truck driving community, you can stand out not just among the people wanting to learn but among ones that are looking for instructors at truck driving schools. You get the idea.

Helps You Build a Long Term Relationship

The other crucial aspect of blogging is that you get to build a personal relationship with your readers. Among these readers might be someone waiting to offer a job based on your skill. Writer, web designer, social media strategist or a truck driver, if you have been providing value to a certain group of people there will certainly be an interest when a position relating to that skill needs to be filled. The readers of your blog will know you personally over time. And most people are comfortable hiring someone with whom they have built relationship. This is when your blog becomes of utmost importance. You build your network and as your network grows the possibility of someone hiring you grows with it.

Not Having a Blog Is Not an Option Anymore

Your blog is your home online and a way for potential employers to peek into your skills. A resume is important but a blog that shares your experience and skill in depth isn’t something that can be neglected either. Even if you have a job at the moment I would recommend you start a blog either for fun or with business mindset.

I can vouch personally that if you provide helpful content that appeals to a certain crowd you will find an opportunity knocking on your door. It might not be as soon as you would like but it will happen. And if you aren’t really looking to land a full time job through your blogging efforts, it can certainly give you exposure to start something as a freelancer. And in today’s economy we can’t afford not to earn a little extra on the side.

Here’s a quick formula to show you how exactly a blog can help you in finding opportunities,

Blog = Network + Target Audience (potential employers) + Exposure = Job Opportunities

Those are some of the things that I personally think makes blogs one of the best job search tool. Please take a moment and share your thoughts with the rest of us. Your comments and suggestions are very much appreciated.

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A Crash Course In Landing a Dream Job

Mark — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:27:24 PST

Dream jobs are one of those things that many dream about. Some dream to be the CEO of an internationally recognized company whereas for some a good paying job is good enough for a dream job. It seems like many people are giving up hopes on their dream jobs due to rising unemployment and hurting economy. Although the current situation may not be as good as we would like it to be, there certainly is hope. And dreams more often than not are conquered when there is hope.

There are few things that every job applicant needs to remember when it comes to landing the job of their dreams. Today we want to explore a few of those things and how it might make you a strong candidate in the eyes of your potential employer.

Make a List

That’ right! Whether you use a computer or a pen and paper, that’s totally upto you but start with making lists. Think of things relating to work that makes you happy. Are you someone who likes a good challenge or someone who wants to get by doing the easiest stuff? Although this sounds silly, it does help tremendously. Many people waste a lot of years doing jobs they hate. There is no surprise that hundreds and thousands of people are complaining about their job each day. Make a list. Write down what you are good at and what you are not so good at. Are you good at negotiating? Do you enjoy it? If it is something you are good at and enjoy doing there might be business opportunities and jobs that cater to this quality of yours that you have yet to capitalize on. Preparing a list with pros and cons about yourself, including what makes you happy in workplace setting etc. can help you tremendously in landing a job that you have always dreamed of.

Change Can Be Good

If you have been thinking your dream jobs lies in a field other than what you are good at, dare to change. Although career change isn’t something that can happen overnight, it sure isn’t something that is impossible. If you have been working on what we talked about on point 1, by now you have a clear idea of what it is that will make you happy and satisfied as far as work goes. Don’t be afraid to change your career, but don’t be dumb enough to jump on it right away. If you have a full time job, stick to your current job and pick up a part time job or an internship or volunteer for the job that might help you excel in the new career you are thinking of. When you are ready and confident that this is what you want, quit the old job and start your new career. The key here is to dare. Dare to change. Unless you give it a try you never know if the dream job you are seeking is really dream or just a happy thought of your mind.

Break The Limitations

These limitations can be financial or geographical. Remember if you want to achieve your dreams there are certain things you have to be willing to give up. Your dream job may require you to climb the ladder and while starting out the pay may not be as good. But if that’s what it takes to get to a place where you want to be in five years, that’s a choice you have to make. Another thing when it comes to grabbing that golden opportunity or landing a dream job is that you have to be willing to relocate. I have seen plenty of people unwilling to relocate due to family, emotional attachments, etc. Although these things play a important part in ones life, if you want to succeed and that’s what it takes to land your dream job, the first thing you need to be able to do is willing to relocate. Breaking the limitations will help you make the dream a reality.

Deal Maker or Deal Breaker

The reason many job applicants never get call for a job interview isn’t because they aren’t qualified, it is because their resume doesn’t portray who they really are or what they are capable of. Interview comes after the potential employer has seen your resume. Your resume is the key to your golden career. Don’t be in a hurry when creating your resume. Resume isn’t just a piece of paper but it is one of the most important documents that tells the potential employer who you are and what you can do. Be careful when preparing your resume. Those little typo that you think may not be a big problem might be the only thing coming in between you and the dream job you are applying for.

Be Bold and Outspoken

Although networking on the computer and making use of social media platforms is a must, face to face talk is the best way to network. Meeting in person and shaking hands is way more effective then sitting behind a computer screen and networking online even in this day and age. Whether it’s a career fair or any other gathering that you are at, be bold and connect with people. Don’t be shy to talk about your ambitions, your career goals, your dream jobs and the industry you want to be in with people. Your contact at the moment may not know about these but your passion may lead them to refer you to someone they know.

Although these tips can help you land your dream job, the only person that can make it happen is you. It doesn’t matter whether you read hundreds of articles each day, it doesn’t matter whether you dream of someday landing your dream job, what matters is that you have what it takes to get there. And one thing that is of most importance when it comes to grabbing that dream opportunity is the fact that you need to be able to get up when you fall and stay on track. Be persistent, be bold and reach out. Your dream job isn’t as far away as you would like to think. Just mold yourself to be the one who can achieve and the career you want will be knocking on your door in no time.

Share your tips and thoughts on how one can successfully land a dream job.

20 Mind Blowing Creative Résumés

Mark — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 03:58:34 PST

When it comes to looking for a job, the first thing that comes to mind is a resume. Usually when we think of resume, we think of something that is clean and contains everything there is to impress an employer. However, not all resumes are the same. Although we have a certain mindset as to what a resume will look like, some people take the concept of resume above and beyond. In the past we have covered creative resumes and once again it’s time to look at some more. Some of these resumes are ones people actually used during a job interview and some are concept only, but they are some of the most creative resume you’ll ever see.

Click on the name to visit the source.

1. By Arianedenise

2. By Darthkix

3. By Heydani

4. By Mathew Tate

5. By ChcukDLay

6. By Alasse91

7. By Heeeeman

8. By Varks

9. By Dragonorion

10. By Achoura

11. By WizardofKitty

12. By Pisorg

13. By AnimatedRobbo

14. By Notolga

15. By Haileyivy

16. By Spen

17. By NikonD50

18. By Euie

19. By Xiruxiru

20. By Brankovukelic

What do you think of these creative resumes? If you know of any that you would like to share, feel free to drop a link the comments section.

4 Tips On Negotiating a Killer Salary

Mark — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 23:12:30 PST

Your resume was top-notch. Your cover letter, unforgettable. Your first interview was outdone only by your second. And now the company you’ve set your sights on is prepared to make an offer. Assuming you really do want the job, how do you go about getting the salary you deserve? You know it will be quite some time before you can ask for a raise, so this is your last chance at maximizing your paycheck. Follow these tips to fatten your bank account before you even set foot in a cubicle.

Go For More Than One

Easier said than done, sure. But far too many people put all their eggs into one prospective employer’s basket. Don’t let one promising interview stop you from pursuing more, if anything, it should have the opposite effect. Just think: the more job interviews you can land, the more familiar and confident you’ll feel about the process. You’ll increase your chance of receiving multiple offers. And with multiple offers, you’ll vastly improve your negotiating leverage.

Know What You Are Worth

You know you have to research, research, research the fair market value of your new job. But keep in mind that one of the primary sources of information is the company that made you the offer! Pay attention to all the data they’re giving you, especially the subtle hints. How badly do they need to fill the position? Did your interview reveal extra responsibilities you didn’t know about when you first began researching salaries? Acute awareness of the employer’s situation will inform and empower your salary negotiation.

Armed with detailed information about the job and the employer, you need to establish a realistic salary range. Avail yourself of as many resources as possible to get the most updated, comprehensive market value profile. Don’t just arrive at a number. Understand what factors determine a fair salary so you’re prepared to discuss the down-and-dirty details. Then prepare to keep your mouth shut.

The Key To Negotiation : Keep Your Ears Open

When you find yourself in the midst of a negotiation; poised and prepared, of course, there’s very little to be gained by saying much. This is important from the initial interview (don’t even think about quoting a dollar amount) but it’s even more critical after they offer you the job. Your information is power. Don’t give it away without using it to your advantage.

When you first hear the job offer, think about it. If it’s lower than expected, don’t panic. You need more information, not just more money. The employer has a reason behind their offer, so ask them for it . . . then listen! Remember to always get the information you’re looking for before responding. In this poker game, there’s nothing wrong with asking to see the company’s cards. When you need to, show them yours. Discuss the gap between their offer and your expectations.

If the offer is at or above what you had in mind, once again don’t panic. You should still ask for an explanation of the reasoning behind the offer. Listen closely and pay attention to any cues that may indicate the potential for more. But tread carefully. Your potential employer has likely done as much research as you have, so don’t pretend you expected a better offer if you didn’t. Still, you’d be surprised how persuasive silence can be. By thinking over every offer and every piece of data fed to you during negotiation, your thoughtful silence just may evoke a higher offer.

Keep Your Attitude In Check

Never forget that this negotiation should resemble a potential marriage, not a divorce. The ideal outcome of a job offer and salary negotiation isn’t just that killer annual income, you also want it to be the beginning of a healthy working relationship marked by mutual respect. You need not be defensive or cocky. Let the strength of your research, your track record, and your skills speak for themselves. Your strong negotiating skills should show your new employer they’re hiring someone with business savvy and strong interpersonal skills.

Again, a negotiation is your last and best opportunity to listen and think about the prospect of accepting a new job and a major life decision. Don’t let any frustration or disappointment show. And don’t be afraid to ask for more time to think it over. At the end of the process, you’ll have to live with the decision you make and the terms of the final agreement. Don’t rush it.

If you’re prepared, confident, and constantly using quality information to your advantage, you’ll be in the driver’s seat of a negotiation destined for success.

We hope you’ve found the advice helpful, and we’re interested in your feedback. What has helped or hurt you after the job offer was made? Any negotiation advice of your own? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Still Unemployed? Here’s What You May Be Doing Wrong

Mark — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:54:26 PST

Job search can be frustrating, no doubt about that. Often times we hear job seekers talking how they never hear back from the employer after a job interview. We agree that employers should contact each job applicant even if they are not hired, but when you have thousands of job applicants for two openings, it might be a little too hard for the company too.

There are many reasons why an employer may reject a job candidate. We explore five reasons below which shows why the employers aren’t too keen on hiring you.

1. Your Resume Sucks

Online job search is highly effective and using Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. can help you land a job. However, a resume will always be required. Online resume or offline, without a resume that can highlight your experience and one that is effective, landing a job is next to impossible. Having a resume alone isn’t enough. It needs to be effective. Too often we see people using their LinkedIn profile as an online resume but everything on it seems unprofessional. If your profile image on LinkedIn shows you holding a beer can, good luck getting prospective employers interested in you. The first and foremost thing that you need to make sure is the fact that your resume doesn’t suck.

We’ve covered resume tips in the past. Below are some links that will help you guide in the right path when it comes to making sure your resume doesn’t suck :

If you are looking for jobs in a industry that demands you be creative, these creative resumes might be something you could draw inspiration from.
Writing an effective resume requires use of effective words. Take a look at these words that will help make your resume stand out.
If your resume looks like the resume of the future that we created a while back, it’s obvious you won’t get called for a job interview.
Ever think of lying in your resume? If you have, these are the resume lies employers usually don’t catch on to.
Before you throw away the junk mails, make sure you learn how to create outstanding resume using tactics used in junk mails.
And finally, here are a few tips on how you can write a killer resume by making the best out of your biggest screwups.

2. You’re Begging For It

It’s natural to be desperate when you lose a job. The desperation kicks in full swing if you haven’t saved any money and it comes down to putting food on the table. Being laid off from a job or getting fired and losing a steady income isn’t easy, both financially and emotionally. However, if your desperation starts showing during the job interview, it’s almost guaranteed employers aren’t going to hire you.

Employers look for people who are confident and can turn things around. They are looking for someone who can handle a tough situation. If you act desperate there is no way an employer is going to hire you. They might feel bad for you but they have a business to run, and in this case, their business mind will certainly overcome the emotional side. Grabbing an interviewers leg and begging while at the job interview isn’t the best way to land a job. We understand you are desperate and it’s natural, but don’t let it show.

3. You Are Being a Bit Too “Cocky”

Some job applicants are way out of their head. Most articles that you read on the web related to job interview tips always says “be confident.” This does not mean you have to act cocky. There is a difference between being confident and being an ass hole. Your employers wants someone who knows what they are talking about, they don’t want an aggressive person who might be a problem for the whole department down the road. Besides the whole cocky part, some job applicants seem to talk a bit too much.

Don’t get too personal with your interviewer. There is no reason to point out that your ex-wife or ex-husband made your life hell and you couldn’t perform as expected at your last job. Watch what you say while at the interview. Every word coming out of your mouth and every gesture you make is being watched. If you are talking out of your ass, there is a reason the employer didn’t extend the job offer to you.

4. You Don’t Exist On The Web

Although employers still use traditional ways to hire a job applicant, online channels have become extremely important. There are more employers looking to hire someone through social channels such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc. As these platforms grow, employers are realizing they need to have a presence on there and they expect you to be there as well. Just make sure you are using these channels wisely and not sharing your darkest, deepest secrets for the world to see.

Your presence online can either be the reason they will hire you or the reason they won’t. Having a web presence is definitely something that can’t be ignored. If you don’t have one, that certainly may be one of the reason the employer isn’t too keen on hiring you.

5. You Forgot To Do Your Homework

Don’t ever go for a job interview unprepared. And we aren’t talking about ironing your clothes or brushing your hair. We are talking about the fact that you need to know about the company. Interviewer’s often like to ask questions related to the company such as history, name of the CEO, etc. to see how much time job applicant has put into researching. If you can’t answer some of the basic things about the company, it just shows you haven’t done your homework properly. You need to prove the employer that you want this job not just for the money (although that might be the primary reason), but cause the work itself interests you.

The more information you have on the company, the more reasons they have to believe that you are an ideal candidate. This is a critical step in preparing for a job interview and many seem to ignore it. And that my friend, is a very good reason that a particular employer doesn’t want to hire you.

Your Turn

We shared a few reasons as to why an employer may not be interested in you. We would love to hear what you think of them. Also feel free to add more to the list in the comments section.

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The Cost of Being Fat : $100,000 Over a Lifetime

Mark — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 01:12:29 PST

When Kevin Smith (yes, @ThatKevinSmith) was grounded from a Southwest Airlines flight on Saturday, February 13, a fresh media firestorm was just taking off. The topic: weight discrimination (and rotten customer service) seems to be the last remaining socially accepted form of bigotry. And it’s not just costing obese passengers the price of an extra ticket—“weight-ism” is costing employees a lot of money.

Companies like airlines can cite safety concerns and courtesy to affected passengers as the motivation behind their rules, but when employees are allowed to change the letter of the law as they see fit, the true spirit of the law shines through. People think it’s okay to discriminate against their overweight peers, and there’s a glut of statistics to prove it.

The Council on Size & Weight Discrimination cites several studies in the last decade that show the financial affects of weight discrimination in the workplace. Here are some of the more shocking figures:

Heavier workers earn $1.25 an hour less than their average-weight peers, adding up to a $100,000 difference in a 40-year career.
Additional weight hurts women even more—slightly overweight women can expect a 6% pay discrepancy, whereas more obese women make 24% less.
A survey of people 50% over their ideal weight showed that 17% were fired or pressured to resign because of their weight.

A 2009 Weight Bias Study from Yale (PDF) showed that a job applicant or employee’s weight had a considerable effect on employment decisions such as hiring, placement, and coworker evaluations. According the study, “it was demonstrated that overweight job applicants and employees were evaluated more negatively and had more negative employment outcomes compared to non-overweight applicants and employees.” []

Perhaps the most shocking fact of all is that weight discrimination is almost perfectly legal. Only one state (Michigan) features legislation against weight discrimination. There have been individual cases where employers’ policies have been ruled against, but the standards that protect individuals’ rights against age, race, religious, and gender discrimination offer no such shelter to the obese. Obviously, we have to ask . . . should they?

Most definitely. First of all, for many people, obesity is more of a disease than a choice, as genetic predispositions, glandular complications, and other medical conditions can affect a person’s ability to control weight gain. And secondly, obesity doesn’t directly reduce most employees’ abilities to perform job functions. Yes, there is a higher risk in some cases of lost time due to associated health problems, but the discrimination uncovered by studies generally has nothing to do with health and everything to do with character judgments.

It really shouldn’t take a Hollywood director with an itchy Twitter finger to open our eyes to a problem that affects virtually every company in America. Don’t you ever stop to wonder why every employee review seems to have an “Appearance” category? It’s because looks mean a lot in the corporate world, and right or wrong, we have to deal with it. There’s a certain amount of superficial business everyone has to attend to, from small talk to suits and ties.

So what can you do? Here are a few rules of thumb:

Treat people with respect, regardless of their appearance. That’s especially important if you’re in customer service.
Evaluate employees, applicants, and coworkers according to the merits of who they are and what they do, not how much they weigh.
If you’re overweight and you’re the victim of discrimination, don’t be afraid to speak out on behalf of your rights. Be direct and assertive, and show respect for yourself and those in a position to help you.
Keep a positive attitude. No one should have to put up with discrimination, but it’s twice as bad when you begin to believe that you are worth less.

What are your thoughts on the issue? Do you think weight discrimination is a significant problem? How have you seen it play out in the workplace? Has it ever prevented you from getting or keeping a job? Let us know in the comments section.

10 Ways To Say No To your Boss and Still Keep The Job

Job Loss : December 2007 – January 2010

Mark — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:14:14 PST

We recently came across this image that shows job loss data from December 2007 to January 2010. Although we are not out of the woods yet, it certainly is better than what it has been.

Click on the image to enlarge

source

How To Avoid Being On The “Layoff List”

Mark — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:37:58 PST

The recession might be easing its grip on the economy, but that good news comes too late to stop a lot of companies from trimming payroll. If the layoff rumors are swirling at your workplace, you’re not alone, and you aren’t helpless.

Take these 8 measures to make sure you and your job look indispensable.

1. Avoid the rumor mill

Layoffs suck. We get it. And some people would rather talk about the trouble your company’s in than do anything about it. Steer clear of them if you can. More importantly, don’t be one of them. Keep busy doing your job, and the ones sitting around talking are more likely to be the ones to go.

2. No drama

In down times, things at the office can get testy. You might be understaffed, overworked, and all-around unhappy with the people around you. But if you want to continue working, you have to eliminate the extra-curricular tension. Do your best to give your co-workers the benefit of the doubt and get along. Any personal conflicts distracting you from your job just make you easier to fire.

3. Support your boss

Call it brown-nosing, sucking up, selling out, whatever. If your boss needs to eliminate a position or two, he or she will start with the people who make life more difficult. Try to sympathize with the position your superiors are in and do your best to make them look good. Don’t go overboard or be disingenuous, just be helpful, supportive, and unselfish, and you might just find a spot on your boss’s “untouchable” list.

4. Think bottom line

Instead of getting paranoid about your own job, think about the success of the department or company overall. Concentrating on what your business needs to do to thrive will help you see the meaning in your role, and it might help you eliminate unnecessary tasks. Don’t just think about making it through the day or lasting until Friday, make the company’s goals your goals, and you’re bound to be noticed.

5. Talk about what’s working

Do your best to stay positive, not perky to the point of annoying, just not a downer. Resist the natural urge to complain about what’s going wrong at work. Remind people of the successes, even the small ones, and you can help avoid cultivating a depressing atmosphere. You’ll also be viewed as a positive contributor, no one wants to get rid of people who make the office a better place to work.

6. Diversify

Be careful not to catch yourself saying, “That’s not my job.” With that kind of attitude the definition of “your job” might take a drastic turn you really won’t like. Be willing to take on new or different responsibilities to show you’re a team player with versatile skills. Also be willing to offer suggestions of new ways to improve efficiency. Keep the boss thinking about what you can do, not what you can’t.

7. Aim high

One of the best ways to stay positive is to keep making goals for yourself and doing your best to meet them. It will help with your attitude as well as giving you specific accomplishments to point to at review time . . . or just over lunch. Without goals, it’s much harder to keep track of tangible reasons why you’re a keeper.

8. Stay positively social

Don’t get lost in your job. If you’re so busy doing your job that you never talk to anyone, it can get very easy for people to forget you’re there. Not everyone in the workplace, even the bosses, always make decisions based strictly on practicality. It’s easiest for the company to say goodbye to someone no one really knows. Stay connected, and stay employed.

What other factors do you think would help one protect their job when layoff are looming? Share with us.

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