Saturday, May 8, 2010

Top 10 Job Networking Sites For Year 2010

Did you know that networking sites can now be utilized to enhance your job search? With the rise in the demand of networking sites, some employers and hiring managers go through great extremes to use social media to hire the right person for their company. Since the beginning of time, people have used networking to find a job, either through personal or business network. But recently networking has become an essential part of the job search.

Social media sites can be used in many ways to network and eventually land a job position. They are an effective means to improve your job search and build your career as they can help create your professional brand and build your strategic online presence. These sites can also be called job networking sites as they are now essential in a job hunt.

In job networking sites, you can build your ultimate social media resume and impress potential employers who can see your profile. Some of these sites incorporate job listings. Hence, if you sign up or register at least 5 of the top social media sites today, your chances of landing a job is relatively higher than anyone else that does not use social media tools. Honestly, in this current economic crisis, there is no reason not to exploit these sites. The following are top 10 social networking sites that are now essential in a job hunt.

• LinkedIn - this site is by far the best place for job seekers to hunt for that perfect job opportunity. This is where job seekers, recruiters, employers, marketers and salespeople interact, network and communicate to each other. When the US economy declined, this site became the hot spot for job seekers. It allows you to optimize your professional profile and cultivate your network. You may improve your network through group participation. The site also includes different applications.

• Facebook - Generally, most Facebook users do not use the full potential of Facebook. The site can be used for professional networking and to get a job, either you can utilize the Facebook marketplace or groups/fan pages. Facebook marketplace lists job opportunities, items wanted and for sale items in your network. You can directly contact the person or company you are interested in. The groups or fan pages can be utilized to increase your network to people with the same interest as you.

• Twitter - a social networking site that offers microblogging service. The site is normally used by ordinary people to tweet about their personal life. However, it can also be used in other ways including for job hunting. The site allows job seekers to communicate directly to the hiring managers without the need to submit first any type of resume or cover letter. The only means to enhance your job search through twitter is to link it to your blog or LinkedIn profile.

• Craigslist - another valuable job search tool that you should consider if you are planning to work in a big brand name company. The site generally attracts consultants and small to midsize companies. It endeavors to freshen up its list daily hence you have good chance of acquiring a job if you check the site more often than everyone else.

• Ecademy - another prime source for professional networking. The site provides you the opportunity to enhance your professional profile and let other people know you much better. Similar to LinkedIn, the site can also help improve your network through business groups that have the same interest as yours. It allows you to message other members and be introduced to other people through friends. However, you can mainly search jobs through networking as the site does not have job listing.

• MySpace - a social networking site that can also be utilized for job searching. It offers great opportunity as it allows you to connect to people through your personal profiles, blogs, groups and so on. As more people used social media sites, some hiring managers nowadays check this site to see potential employees.

• MyWorkster - concentrates on exclusive networking for colleges. The site allows students and alumni to network for career opportunities. It allows you to build up your own professional profile. The site has built-in instant messenger, job listing powered by indeed, job search engine and has valuable features such as groups, events and resume posting. However, if you did not go to college, the site is not beneficial to you.

• Ning - an online service that allows you to create, customize and expand your social network. The site is utilized through varieties of ways including job hunting and job search. The searches can be shortened by location, industry or keywords. The site has many different networking groups and each has different features. Generally, it has blog features and forums.

• Plaxo - a social networking site that has slightly similar features to LinkedIn. You are allowed to improvise and enhance your profile to attract potential employers. It has "pulse stream" feature that constitutes your social media presence through social media sites. Also, it tracks your contact information through Yahoo! Map. The site has job aggregator powered by Simply Hired.

• Jobster - a powerful platform to network or connect with potential employers. It gives you opportunity to upload your resume and even embed a video resume to display yourself. You can also add links to your site and post your picture. The site also allows you to search for job positions and employers who offer job opportunities.

Want More Interview Tips That Work?

Discover The 10 Most Dangerous Mistakes College Grads Make With Employers And What To Do About It...Check it out through this link (Job Interview Tips).

Revealed! 3 Sneaky Interview Questions To Ask Employers That Will Expose What They REALLY Want... Guaranteed.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Landon_Long

Friday, May 7, 2010

5 Ways to Land a Job in a Tough Economy

It seems that whenever we turn on the news these days, there is another announcement of massive layoffs - making an already crowded job market even more dense. Despite reports of imminent disaster, many people are still finding success and landing jobs by using proven techniques and strategies. Here are 5 MUST-DO tips that you can start using today to improve your chances of generating interviews and securing a great job.

1. Brand yourself as an expert: Instead of broadening your resume to "keep all your options open," focus on a very specific position, level, and industry. It is far better to show that you are the BEST at a particular task or position - as opposed to showing that you are merely pretty good at a dozen or more skill sets. This will enable you to portray yourself as an expert and catapult your resume to the top of the stack for all opportunities in that particular niche.

2. Network, of course: Now is the time to tap into your network of personal and professional contacts. Statistically, networking is, has always been, and will continue to be the single most effective job-search strategy - surpassing all other methods combined. Let your friends, family, and colleagues know how they can help you. You may be surprised at how many people they know who can help you reach your goal.

3. Sign up with LinkedIn.com. This can be a valuable tool for making and managing important connections. You will be able to expand your network exponentially and maximize your list of contacts. And when you sign up, feel free to add me as a contact. The broader your network, the better.

4. Use a proactive approach on your job search. Instead of simply posting your resume on Monster or CareerBuilder or searching the job boards for openings, you should be initiating contacts yourself. Once you've identified your target position, make a list of all potential employers in that industry, and send them your resume and cover letter. Don't rely on job boards to determine your next position. Be proactive and go after the jobs you really want.

5. Sharpen your interviewing skills. Although interviews may not come as quickly as in the past, you want to be sure that you are ready when your phone does ring. Understand the value you are bringing into a position, and practice communicating it on mock interviews with friends and colleagues. More than ever before, you want to treat interviews like gold, and make a lasting impression on interviewers.

Wishing you the best of success!

Robert Mandelberg, CPRW

Robert Mandelberg founded The Creative Edge Resume Service in 1987. Since that time, he has helped thousands of clients reach their career goals. Rob is a published author, a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), and a Certified Employment Interview Professional (CEIP). See Rob's free career articles at http://www.ResumeRob.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Mandelberg

Thursday, May 6, 2010

How to Perform a Job Search

Going on a job search can often be a very harrowing experience for many people around the world. However, it doesn't have to be, especially if you are well organized and plan things out. If you know where and when to search, then finding work should come a little bit easier to you. But you need to realize that you will have to put some time and effort into the venture. It's not very often that jobs will just fall into your lap.

It's often been said to job seekers that "it's not what you know it's who you know." However, while this may certainly be the case for some people, it's definitely not the norm. So be prepared to show your skills and talents when being interviewed for a position. Make sure you can live up to your resume. And speaking of resumes, it's essential that you have one and that it's up to date. It must also be well organized and error free. If you need help creating one, there are many types of agencies that can help you out. It's almost impossible to get a job these days without a good resume as well as an accompanying cover letter.

When going on a job search it certainly will help if you know exactly what type of employment it is you're looking for. There are some people who are desperate and will take anything, but if this isn't your case, then decide on the field of work that appeals to you. If you've just graduated from college or lost a previous job you probably have a good idea. If you're one of those people who just can't seem to make up their mind about the type of job or career you'd like, then you may want to get some help. There are a lot of employment-related agencies around the world that will give you tests to see what field of work appeals to you and what you're qualified for. Most of these agencies charge a fee, but some countries offer government programs that are free.

Once you know the type of work you're looking for then it's a good time to start your job search. There are various places to look for work. You can start off with the classified ads of your local newspaper and the job board at the regional employment office. Job agencies are also a good place to look as are online classifieds. In fact, there is usually a wealth of jobs available on the internet as there are many sites that are designed to help people in a job search. These websites usually have a listing of available employment opportunities in a variety of categories and fields. They're usually updated on a daily basis and some of them will even send you the job listings to your email address.

If your job search leads to an interview make sure you take it seriously and are well prepared for it. Be sure to dress appropriately and be on time for the interview. Having some knowledge of the company and their field of expertise will also go a long way in helping you land a job.

For more career tips and advice visit the following top quality niche job boards http://www.thetexasjobsource.com and http://www.houstonjobdepot.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_J._Davis

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

A Job Search is a Full Time Job - Tips

Everybody expects that their next job is going to be 40 hours a week or more. They know that they are going to have to get up early, get to work by a certain hour, and stay active, involved and productive for the entire day until quitting time comes around.

Why would anybody expect that getting a job should be easier than working at a job? If you don't know where to start in your job search, or how to be successful then follow these hints and tips.

Number 1 is that you have to be totally committed to not only getting a job, but to getting a job that will be the beginning of or an advancement in your career. You can rationalize that because of the bad economy those kinds of jobs are not out there but you may be kidding yourself and just setting yourself up for disappointment down the road. This is a big country and there is plenty of work being done in thousands of different areas that each require a different set of skills and experiences.

If your former job required you to be up at 6 a.m. and at your desk by 8 a.m. then do not change that pattern. You should be fully dressed looking as sharp and bright eyed as you can and out the door by 8 a.m. every day until you have accomplished your goal. If you choose to sleep-in and hang around the house all morning in your pajamas reading newspapers and thinking about what kind of job you'd like to have, then guess what, you're guaranteeing yourself that you'll be doing exactly the same thing tomorrow.

Is your resume as good as it possibly could be? Do you have only one version of your resume? Your resume must be laser targeted at the skills and experiences of the specific job that you are seeking. That does not mean that you have to lie or make things up. A lot of skills and experiences are transferable and can be explained in a way that relates to the new job. Big rule number 2 is to be sure that your resume focuses your accomplishments towards the job that you have targeted. If you cannot afford right now to have your resume crafted by a professional then hand it to a few people that you know who have the experience and the honesty to give you usable feedback.

You did not work alone so do not make your job search an army of one. Professional colleagues, co-workers, and business associates will provide you with leads and give you honest feedback without expecting anything in return. Everybody likes to give advice, and most people are willing to do so, even to a stranger. If you know of a person in your field who has the knowledge to give you some advice to set you off in the right direction then do not hesitate to ask them for it. If you ask for only five minutes of their time and let them know that ahead of time, go in with specific questions, and leave promptly at the fifth minute, you may be surprised at the actionable information you can get from such a brief meeting.

Volunteer you time at church and community organizations. You do not want to make this a substitute for your job search workday but getting involved in volunteer activities will expand your area of influence and even your industry knowledge if you are able to volunteer for an activity that is career related. Good things can happen from unexpected sources but only if you are putting yourself out there and getting involved.

Did you know that prospective employers will check your credit report and use your credit score as a proxy for good character? Be the smart job hunter that says I will check my credit score and fix it if I have to.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Boston

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Job Interview Tips - 7 Tips to Creating a WOW Impression at the Interview

"Something in the way she moves..." goes the song by James Taylor.

It's great advice when thinking about how to WOW the interviewer. Did you know that over 90% of the initial impression you create in the interview is non-verbal? And, that most of that is body language? It's true.

How you present yourself is really important. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. DRESS: Wear something that looks good on you, but even more importantly, you feel good wearing. You will want to feel like a million bucks. Dress proud. You know what I mean. You will want to put on clothes that make you say, "Dang, I look good!" Take the time the night before to get your clothes ready. Do your research so that you are wearing clothes appropriate for the setting. Some environments are more casual than others. Don't worry. You don't have to go out and spend money on a new outfit. You do have to make sure that you find a way to feel good in whatever you have to wear.

2. PERSONAL DETAILS/HYGIENE: "The devil is in the details," says a close friend of mine. Pay attention to personal hygiene. Make sure that you are well-groomed. Take care that your hair is tidy, and not windblown, your nails are clean and not unkempt, your clothes are not wrinkled. You want to look "crisp", but not stiff. You don't want to look scruffy or disorganized. (NOTE about perfume/body spray: go easy on it. Nothing is worse in an interview than sitting in a closed room with someone who has doused themselves in overpowering perfume. OK, well, sitting with someone who forgot to take a shower is worse -- and that has happened to me -- but you get what I mean.)

3. WALK: You want to walk purposefully and with confidence. Don't be cocky, just confident. Stride easily, don't shuffle. Walk like you are someone...because you are.

4. SIT: Ready for this tip? Do not sit with your back against the back of the chair. I know that you might do this either because it comes naturally, or because you think that it conveys that you are comfortable and relaxed. Actually what happens is that you project low energy. People who tend to lean against the back of the chair tend to slouch a little and it's hard to move and to project energy if you are just leaning back. Sit on the edge of the chair (but don't fall off), feet firmly on the floor. This enables you to lean forward and gesture with your hands. It allows you to communicate with your whole body. Try it.

5. SMILE: Make sure that you can relax enough to smile easily. Don't force a smile, just let it happen.

6. HANDSHAKE: Firm, but not bone-crushing, is the guideline. Definitely not limp or wishy-washy.

7. POSTURE: A key indicator of your confidence level is your posture. Make sure you are standing straight and tall.

Do these things and you'll be sure to WOW'em.

And for more tips on how to WOW them, I invite you to download two FREE Interview Mini-Coaching sessions -- to help you answer two of the toughest questions. Just go to http://www.TheVirtualCareerCoachBonus.com

You can listen online or receive MP3 files that you can download onto your iPod so that you can listen anytime. Each coaching session lasts about 15 minutes. And, it's FREE!

From Leslie Evans Thorne -- The Virtual Career Coach

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leslie_Evans_Thorne

Monday, May 3, 2010

Executive Job Search Tips - Considering New Trends

The New Year has brought on many new trends in the job search world - and the same is true in the executive realm. As an executive, it's always good to stay in the know so that you don't fall behind on great ways to find jobs that may not have been available just a few months ago. If you're just getting started on your executive job search, or are continuing one you started months ago, you may be able to learn something from the executive job search trends of 2010.

Get On Board with Newer Technology

By now, you're probably well aware of the job search capabilities that Facebook and LinkedIn can offer you. However, there are some other technologies making their way to the forefront that could offer additional opportunities to connect with recruiters, post your resume or CV, or simply get your name in front of the public.

One site that is gaining notoriety is VisualCV, a site that allows you to house your portfolio of your personal marketing documents in one location. By signing up for a free account, you can add your work samples, charts, graphs, audio, video and images to your portfolio. Also, you can share your VisualCV via email or through your social networking sites. This is a fantastic way to show off your CV to the people that want to see it.

Also, you may consider creating a Google Profile. Since many job recruiters use Google to evaluate executives, you'll gain a big advantage by exercising as much control as possible over your results that pop up for your name. Google Profiles often show up as the first results for name searches, and allow people to find key information about your professional life. This is definitely a must at the executive level.

Sign Up With Twitter for Pete's Sake

If you have yet to sign up on Twitter, why not choose 2010 to do so? Many executives consider Twitter to be a narcissistic, juvenile site, but this couldn't be farther from the truth, as Twitter offers some great ways to engage with employers and successfully build your image.

Believe it or not, Twitter is a great place to be located by recruiters and key hiring decision makers on a daily basis. By setting up shop on this great social networking site, linking to LinkedIn as well as other blogs/resume locations and throwing out industry-friendly words of wisdom at least once a day, you'd be surprised just how many recruiters could find you.

Volunteer This Year

Taking time to give back to your community is not only a fulfilling experience, but is also a great way to beef up your job search. You can create more opportunities to add to your resume/CV and, even better, create great networking opportunities that would not have been available had you spend all of your job search time behind the computer.

Conducting an executive job search can be a tedious job, but it isn't so bad if you go about it the right way. Hopefully, these new and recurring trends will keep your job search moving in the right direction so that this time next year you'll be well settled into your next executive-level job.

Are you an Executive in need of a job? Be sure your resume is the best it can be. Choose a company that specializes in executive resume writing and that is best for you and your situation. Do it today at http://www.ResumeLines.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heather_Eagar

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Top Ten Ways to Find a Job

When the economy is in bad shape, the job market is usually worse. Those with jobs are trying to stay employed and people without jobs are desperately trying to find a new job, both can be extremely stressful.

If you put in the time and effort into finding a new job you will be rewarded no matter how fierce the competition is. Stay motivated and persistent - finding a new job is your new job right now.

These are the top ten ways to find a new job:

1. Use the Internet Daily - It is so easy to get lost on the Internet wasting time on websites, job boards and social media sites with no real benefits. Make sure you are actively spending your time on the Internet looking for and applying to jobs and networking with those who may be able to help. There are a ton of useful job boards and career sites to help you focus your search. Check out JobBoardReviews.com to help find the most useful websites to your industry or profession. Do your best to stay focused on your job search for a few hours a day. Be sure to actively apply to jobs, don't just upload your resume and wait for phone calls.

2. Perfect your resume - Your resume is often the first glimpse a potential employer gets of you and your skills, make sure it accurately details your skills and work history and how they can benefit your future employer. Make sure you have someone proof read it before sending it out and try to customize it for each job you are applying for.

3. Network - Let everyone you know that you are looking for a job. The more people you have out there on your team, with eyes open the more opportunities you will have. Tell everyone in your network what kind of a job you are looking for or any special skills you may have. You can forward your resume to people in your network and ask them if they know of anyone hiring or if they can check within their company for any open positions. Most people actually find and are hired through referrals from a friend or family member than any other source.

4. Go back to school - Now is the time to get the competitive edge over other job candidates. Many people are finding it hard to get to a traditional college or university and are opting for online schools and programs. Look into enrolling in an accredited online college for some online courses and upgrading your training. Increasing your education will improve your resume and get you one step closer to landing a job.

5. Target Local Companies - Get out and start knocking on some doors. If you are not having any luck online submitting your resume online, it's time to get out and start meeting people face to face. Make a list of companies in your area that you would like to work for, call them directly to see if they have any openings that interest you. If that doesn't work, put on some professional attire and stop by with your resume in hand.

6. Industry Mags and Social Niches - Sometimes the best positions that are the perfect fit are only being advertised in industry specific magazines and publications. Sign up for some Industry trade magazines, online groups, forums, and social networks. Reading up on the latest industry news is a great way to stay on top and find new open positions. It also will help with your industry specific networking.

7. Job Fairs - Can it get better than this. Job fairs are a giant room or convention center filled with companies who are looking to hire. Dress to impress, print out a bunch of copies on your resume and start talking to companies who are looking to hire. It's such an easy way to meet people and get some help with your search

8. Get some Professional Help - Recruiters, headhunters, and temp agencies are always looking for qualified candidates. Find some recruiters that specialize in your industry or position and get them your resume.

9. State and public resources - There are so many free resources offered by your state to help job seekers find a new job. Most states and counties offer everything from resume writing services, career counseling, and lots of sessions on all the skills you will need to find you new job. State and local resources are also often given lists of openings that aren't posted or found in other locations. Pop on over and see what they can offer.

10. Consider Freelancing - If you are not finding the right full time position, consider taking a contract position or freelancing your services out. Many companies are not able to hire for full time positions but would be willing to give you a try on an as need basis.

Get on out there! Remember to Network, keep your head up and Don't give up! There is someone out there waiting to hire you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jill_Czeczuga