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Resume Distribution: Apply Within

Monday, December 7th, 2009

jobsearchWhen you’re searching for jobs, knowing where to apply can be challenging. Sometimes using online job boards or local networking events can seem overwhelming, especially if you have an idea of where you’d like to work. If this is the case, finding companies you’d like to work for is a great first step in resume distribution.

Start by finding out about specific companies. Your search can be geographic or industry specific. Make a list and then do your research.  If you know of some companies you’re interested in working for, start with them. Find out about company products and services, their mission statement and their goals. Take a look at their success, and their competitors. If you can, find out about their corporate culture and their involvement in the community. Then, apply! Many companies do not advertise their job openings, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t available. In fact, positions become available all the time. By applying online or sending your resume directly to the Human Resources department, you get your foot in the door when those positions open up.

Applying to companies you want to work for rather than applying for specific jobs at random companies is a great way to distribute your resume. Be sure to make contact with their HR department and always follow-up. You never know when the right opportunity will present itself.

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Starting a New Job – Like Kindergarten all Over Again

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

Remember what it was like when you started kindergarten? Ok, maybe that’s a stretch for some of us, but how about when you started a new grade in school? Your body was full of nervous energy and you could hardly wait to start; yet you had no idea what to expect. Well starting a new job will bring back all of those fond memories in an awful hurry.

Starting a new job is not much different than starting school when you think about it. For a couple of weeks you’ll wonder whom you will meet and what you will wear, but what do you do when the first day actually comes?
Whenever you walk into a new work environment for the first time, smile. Be polite to every person you see along the way. Take the initiative to go up to people and introduce yourself. When you do this, look into their eyes and again, smile.

Once you have introduced yourself around, waste no time getting started. Ask your new boss or co-workers what you can do and when given a task for the day, go for it. Don’t be an over-achiever though. Remember it’s your new job not your old job, meaning, some policies may be different then before. If you have any doubt, ask questions. This will ensure the job not only gets done promptly, but properly as well.

Once your workday is done let everyone know how great it was being there and how you look forward to seeing them all the next day. This may sound like you are kissing a little backside, but if the worst thing said about you after the first day is, ‘That person is really nice,’ then you are doing ok.
Like mom used to say, “Before you know it you will have all kinds of new friends.” Mom is always right isn’t she? Just keep smiling, working, and asking questions and before you know it, your new job will feel as comfortable as an old pair of jeans that have been broken in for years.

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Quitting Your Job – Leave the Door Open Just a Crack

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

quit-jobHere’s the scenario; you’ve worked for a company for years and are not at all displeased with your co-workers or your boss, but another job offer has come up and it’s an offer too good to refuse. Now you are left to quit your job.

Quitting your job can sometimes be a difficult thing. The relationships you form while working with others can be strong ones, but you must do sometimes what is best for you. This doesn’t mean that you can’t quit your job with the utmost of dignity and more importantly, without burning a bridge.

Once you have decide you are going to quit your job, give as much notice as you can. Of course the old standby rule of two weeks should be a minimum, but give as much time as possible or at least offer to. I once left a job and gave an entire months notice so that I could train my replacement. Such actions go a long way with both your old employer and your future employer.

Make sure that when you are in your last days you take the time to tell your boss and co-workers how much you enjoyed working with them. You should even tell those that you are not particularly fond of the same thing. This lets you leave on great terms and with no stones unturned.

Why leave gracefully? First off, it’s the human thing to do. More importantly though, you never know how your next job is going to turn out. If you leave on exceptional terms and things don’t work out at your new gig, then you have left the door to your old job open just a crack and can always revisit the possibility of going back to work there. At the very least you will have no problem getting a great recommendation for a prospective job should you ever need one, and these days, you just never know.

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Quitting Your Job – Letter of Resignation

Monday, October 26th, 2009

These days people quit jobs for all sorts of reasons such as more money or better hours. Whatever the case may be for you leaving your job, sometimes a letter of resignation is required. If it can be avoided then avoid it, but if you are under a legal or any other kind of obligation to give a letter of resignation do so in a professional and concise manner.

You are not the President, so the whole world doesn’t need to know what your plans are in the future and what specifically lead you to your decision to quit. When preparing the letter, just a simple thank you for employment and date that you will be leaving should suffice. Don’t get into specifics and don’t write a book. Keep it as short and sweet as you possibly can.

When leaving your job for whatever reason, never just drop the resignation letter on the boss’ desk or mail it to them. Take the time to go into the boss’ office and hand them the letter personally. When handing it to them, thank them for the opportunity they gave you and all that they have taught you in your time there. This may be awkward for you, but it is a necessary step to ensure that you leave on the best possible terms and it will allow you to walk out on your last day with your head held high. This will also ensure that you can get a good recommendation if you should need one down the road.

No one likes to quit, but if handled properly and professionally, it can be a lot less stressful than you think. Sometimes resignation letters are a way of corporate life, so deal with it like a pro and you will have nothing to feel bad about upon your departure.

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Jobs and Social Networking

Wednesday, April 15th, 2009

Social networking sites are a relatively new phenomenon which is growing by leaps and bounds. People are reconnecting with old friends and acquaintances and making new ones with these great sites. In fact social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and Myspace are very valuable for marketing and other business applications. They are however, a two-edged sword.

On a social networking site, it is quick and easy to inform all your contacts that you are indeed looking for a job. In fact, it is wise to do so and you may be pleasantly surprised with the job search help you receive. However, the other side to social networking is that anything and everything you put on your profile is public information, as is anything a friend might say about you. You might be prudent enough to never mention your reckless youth online, but a friend who is not as careful may make comments on your profile about things you did together in the past. Nowadays, companies are checking social networking sites before hiring potential employees and the information they find there may just cost you the job you are wanting.

Use social networking wisely and to your advantage. Put filters on your profile, so only the things you want seen can be viewed by others. Be careful of what you say in blogs and anywhere online, especially if your name is attached to what you write. It may come back to haunt you.

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