Find Job - Europe

How To Find A Job During A Recession

2010-06-17T18:33:00.000-07:00

It's hard enough to find a job in good times--what are you supposed to do when jobs are scarce? Career coach Maggie Mistal has great advice for people trying to find a job during a recession.

Finding a job during a recession

Being without a job is never easy, but it can be extremely stressful during hard economic times. Here are some tips for finding a job during a recession.

Top 7 Tricks For Getting an Interview

2009-02-20T20:22:00.000-08:00

To stack the decks in your favor and stand out from the others, below are the top seven tricks we've found for getting your resume to stand out.

1.) Use a different color paper for mailing your resumes. Chances are, you're using a cream, white, or gray paper color. Yes? So is everyone else. Be creative, and use a non-resume paper. Be original, and stand out. With that said, should you use hot pink? No, remember you're applying for a professional career - but do choose something less common than white, cream, or gray.

2.) Use a different size paper for your resume. Why you ask? Have you ever shuffled a stack of papers. Do you ever have one/a few pieces of paper that your shuffling are a different size than the others. They stand out right? Of course they do, they stand out from the rest - it's simple, but it does make your resume stand out.

3.) Inside contact - If you're interested in a specific company, get an inside contact. This means proactively trying to meet someone from the company, or a friend of a friend situation. People hire people they know - its comfortable. Therefore, do whatever it takes to get an inside contact.

4.) Certified Letter - Have you ever sent a certified letter? All it requires is going to the post office, and paying a few dollars to send it certified with confirmation. This means that the recipient of the letter must sign for it. And I'll bet that they'll sign - they're curious, and want to know what it is. By sending it certified to the hiring manager, you're insuring that your letter has reached its destination - it has reached the hiring manager. This is a huge plus, as usually the hiring manager's mail is filtered through a number of gate keepers.

5.) Send your resume with a gift. Yes, a gift. Head over to the local florist, pizza place, etc - get creative. Pick out a nice bouquet or lunch, and deliver it to the office with your resume. If you do the pizza, here's a tip - put your resume in a zip lock bag and tape it to the inside of the box.

6.) Deliver the resume in person. What do you have to lose? Walk into the office, and ask for the hiring manager (by name). Just say you need to discuss the current job opening with him. Sound crazy? It works - they will see you as being determined, proactive, and outgoing.

7.) The post-it note trick. In larger companies (and sometimes in medium/smaller companies) a secretary or an office assistant will open the resumes for the employees. This person is responsible for screening for junk mail and to weed out non-qualified candidates. Therefore, here is the trick. Take a regular Post-it note, and write something like "This one looks good! - J", and attach it to your resume. Who is "J"? Who cares! The point is that the hiring manager will get a resume with a Post-it note on it, stating that it's good. Therefore, they are more likely to pay close attention to the resume at the direction of another employee. By the time the person realizes its not a note from their mail screener, you've already gotten your resume reviewed - is it deceptive? - no, its effective and innovative advertising.

Nine Tips for Better Online Job Hunting

2008-09-25T21:26:00.000-07:00

Robert Half International

It goes without saying that the Internet has drastically changed the way people today hunt for jobs. After all, it's probably been a few years since you've submitted a resume via mail or fax. But even though most professionals turn to the Internet first for help locating a new position, not all understand the finer points of a Web-based job search. Following are some tips to keep in mind the next time you look online.

1. Think big.
It's wise to start your search by visiting large job sites such as CareerBuilder.com because of the sheer number of listings offered. In addition, employers of all sizes and in every industry are apt to list their job openings on sites with strong brand recognition. Checking out smaller niche Web pages can be helpful, but if you're at a crossroads in your career or willing to relocate, the big boards offer the widest view of what jobs are currently available.

2. Scan the oldies but goodies.
When visiting job boards, many job hunters make the mistake of limiting their search to positions posted in the last few days. A position posted one month ago might still be open, especially if it requires hard-to-find skills. Plus, with most job seekers focusing on recent postings, you may be competing with fewer candidates. A dated job advertisement doesn't reflect the quality of the company or the potential desirability of the position.

3. Visit recruiter sites.
In addition to browsing the large boards, visit the Web sites of recruiting firms that specialize in your field, which maintain their own job postings. Some even offer detailed career information and job search advice. The advantage of these sites is that job seekers can conduct highly targeted searches and also connect with a recruiter who can work on their behalf.

4. Go surfing.
Job sites offer more than just listings. They also can serve as a launching pad for other opportunities. For instance, you may find an appealing job posting for which you are overqualified. Though you're not right for this role, you now know the company is hiring. Visit the prospective employer's Web site to see if there are any additional openings. Send a resume and cover letter to the company expressing your desire to be considered for future jobs.

5. Get social.
Networking is one of the most effective ways of locating new opportunities, and the Internet makes it easier than ever to expand your web of contacts. Social networking sites such as LinkedIn.com provide "virtual" opportunities to connect with other professionals -- in your area or halfway across the world. Participating in chat rooms and discussion forums, such as those hosted by professional associations in your field or industry, also is an excellent way to find about open positions.

6. Don't blast away.
Most job sites enable users to apply for a position with the simple click of the mouse. But don't blindly blast your resume to every company you come across. Hiring managers seek tailored resumes that directly tie a job seeker's unique skills and abilities to the requirements of the position. Take the extra time and effort to customize your application materials to each specific opportunity.

7. Spell well.
Completing employment applications online is convenient but potentially costly if you're not careful. Be mindful of your spelling and grammar when typing information directly onto online forms. Typos are no less problematic on screen than on paper. In a Robert Half International poll of employers, typos and grammatical errors were cited as the most common mistakes job seekers make on their resumes.

8. Tread carefully.
There's a time and a place for everything. With that old adage in mind, be careful of when and where you do your online job hunting. Using your company's computer and Internet connection to look for a new position is a bad idea. Employers have the right to monitor the sites you visit and the e-mails you send. So, resist the temptation to hunt for a new job at the office if you want to keep the one you have for the time being.

9. Follow up!
When job hunting online, it's critical that you follow up with prospective employers after applying for a position. More than a few resumes have gotten lost in cyberspace. If you've submitted your application and haven't heard back from the company, make a call or send an e-mail to verify that the resume was received and to reassert your interest in the position. Don't worry; you're not going to annoy the employer. Eighty-two percent of executives polled by our company said job seekers should contact hiring managers within two weeks of submitting application materials.

While the Internet has revolutionized the way job seekers connect with prospective employers, an online job hunt shouldn't be the only strategy you use to find a new position. The best searches combine a variety of approaches, including exploring the services offered by recruiting and staffing firms, touching base with members of your professional network, and participating in industry events where you can hobnob with hiring managers.

Robert Half International Inc. is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 330 offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.

Source

How to find a job

2008-01-03T20:46:00.000-08:00

The first step in finding a job is to write a resume or prepare to complete a job application. Depending on the type of job you are searching for, you will need a resume, CV (curriculum vitae) and a cover letter or you will need to complete an application for employment.

In most cases, you will need a resume to apply for full-time, professional job opportunities. If you are seeking a part-time job or work in a career field like hospitality or retail, for example, you will complete an application for employment.