Jobs Online - The Resource for Online Job Seekers

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You will find all sorts of very important and useful information about finding and getting your dream job. From resumes to interviews, this website will help you on your path to career success!

The unique information here will help you in considering a very important decision that can have a large impact on your life.

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08/25/2008 10:32 AM

Blogging for jobs, learn how one fan turned hobby into dream job

Matt Terl is the new blogger for the Washington Redskins. I recently heard about how he got his new gig and decided to interview him. Its a great story about a hobby blogger got noticed and went to work for the team he loves. Find more videos like this on Secrets of the Job Hunt Network

08/25/2008 04:20 AM

Resume Tip - Are You a Knight in Shining Armor?

By Miriam Salpeter, Keppie Careers www.keppiecareers.wordpress.com Do you want to be a hero? Who doesn’t want to hire a knight in shining armor, ready to take on the problems of the day? When you focus on your resume, don’t just focus on you and what you offer. Remember to focus on the target - the potential employer. It is just as important to know what the employer wants as it is to know your own skills and accomplishments! Figure out what problems your target organization is trying to solve. Sometimes, this is easy to discover by reading their website and job description. Other times, informational interviews and keeping up with the news of the day helps. (If the Wall Street Journal just ran an article about the organization, you’ll want to be sure to know about it!) Be sure to Google the organization; don’t just rely on what they say about themselves. What are others saying about them? Once you know their needs, determine why and how YOU can provide the answers to their problems. Make a clear connection on your resume. Show them that you are their knight in shining armor, slaying dragons left and right. If you want to receive free up-to-date tips to help with your job hunt, Click here to subscribe to receive future blogs sent directly to you! Need help with your resume? Did you know we offer a resume consulting service? We advise, you write! Or, hire us to write your resume for you. Visit Keppie Careers online for information about our services: www.keppiecareers.com. photo by Ms. Kathleen

08/24/2008 05:18 PM

How to Take Control of the Interview

Ever get all excited for an interview, only to be frustrated that it didn’t go as well as planned? Maybe your experience wasn’t portrayed in its best light, or your many accomplishments weren’t valued. How can you avoid this outcome, and take control of the interview? It’s really not that hard….partially it’s how you approach the interview, and partially how you employ some interview tactics. Change your approach: So how do you change your approach to gain control of an interview? Stop being defensive – most job candidates take a defensive interview stance and answer questions that the interviewer asks. The stronger candidates go on the offensive…they interview the company. So take a strong offense in your interview approach. As a candidate, interview the company to see how the fit is for you. Get a feeling to see will your skills will be valued? Do you see a mentorship relationship with anyone you’ve interviewed with? Does the company “feel” right? Can you succeed here? Does the company’s management style and culture fit your personality comfortably? Is there growth potential for the company, and for your career? Change your tactics: Most candidates rattle off their life story, going through every job they’ve had since they delivered papers in Junior High. Not only does this not help you demonstrate subject matter expertise in an interview, it bores the interviewer to death. Worse yet, it wastes valuable time for you to interview the company and make an impression as a leader. If you could take control of the interview, would you try a different tactic? So how do you interview the company? Ask questions - Lots of them. Especially ask questions where you already know the answer, based on your research. For instance, let’s say you’re a Director of IT, interviewing with a public company that stated in its last 10Q that they plan on growing 25% per year. Could you ask “If your President predicts 25% annual growth, how does that affect IT systems? Are your internal systems prepared to handle that growth? What implications does that growth have on IT, on IT security?” Of course, you’ll want to make some advance guesses to the answer, so that you can next comment “Oh that’s interesting, I solved that problem at Company X by doing Y”. Do that 2 or 3 times, and you’ve uncovered a company’s top initiatives, problems, and risks. Better yet, you’ve subtly shown that you’ve been there and done that. All of a sudden, you’re the leading candidate, because you’ve shown foresight to anticipate the companies issues….and, by the way, you’ve already solved their problems for prior employers. If the interviewer tries to gain control of the interview, take it back. Answer the question very quickly, don’t go into details, and quickly ask a related question back to the interviewer. Let’s say you get a pat interview question (hiring managers use these as filler, HR use these because they don’t always know detailed technical questions to ask) like “What’s your greatest professional challenge?” As long as you’re not going for a job in PR, you could answer something like “Public speaking - I’m taking classes to improve. What are the companies (or department’s) greatest challenges?” Or “I see that industry reports project a downturn in your markets. What is the company doing to prepare? What implications do those plans have on department X? If you aren’t able to pull off this strategy, what’s plan B? What are the implications if this strategy doesn’t work?” Of course, you’re not going to ask these kinds of detailed questions of HR, unless you’re interviewing for an HR job. So what do you take control of an interview from a HR interviewer who asks “Where do you see your career in 5 years?” Here’s a time when can work to answer a question with a question. Could you try… “It depends…where do you see the company in 5 years?” In an interview you can own it, and set the tone of your leadership…or let the interviewer own you. Which works better for you? If you’d like more information, a free 30 minute resume consultation, or some advice about your career transition, just email your resume to reCareered at phil.reCareered@gmail.com, and we'll schedule a time to talk. http://recareered.blogspot.com/2008/03/how-to-take-control-of-interview.html Phil Rosenberg President, reCareered Email: phil.reCareered@gmail.com Blog: http://reCareered.blogspot.com

08/20/2008 07:55 AM

Bad resume ideas

Here are a couple of responses I got in regards to the best/worst resumes you've ever seen. Take these as examples of what not to do. -CR Example 1 While a consultant for Korn/Ferry, a resume came to me that had a three page cover letter that read like a celebrity profile, a la... "The first thing you notice when Victoria walks in the room is her ease. With perfectly cut long brown hair framing her slightly tanned face, impeccably selected suit and Chanel accessories, her carriage combines elements of a dancers grace with the strength and wisdom of a woman twice her age..." etc. etc. She even described from the observers perspective her own insightful comments and how her own presence was so enthralling, "At the interviews end, as Victoria moves gracefullly back into the world you are left with a void feeling somehow uplifted and excited to meet with her again." Gotta love a self aware candidate, but this was really over the top. Example 2 One other note about creative resumes. They can backfire. I remember one in particular that tried to be humorous in the descriptions of previous work experience. It was funny — and I think I did call the person in for an interview, but I remember feeling a little uncertain if this was the kind of person who would take his work seriously or just spend his time being the class clown. I didn’t hire him in the end. Other “creative” resumes have included unusual packaging and brightly colored paper, unusual type faces and unusual layouts. Unless you’re a trained art director or graphic designer — don’t attempt to “design” an unusual resume. It almost never looks good. Example 3 I once got a resume that has a straight edge razor blade attached. I person tried to tie the idea to the fact that he was sharp. It did get my attention, but I thought it was a stupid idea.

08/18/2008 07:04 AM

3 creative resume ideas

I recently surveyed some of my career coach friends on what they thought was the most creative resume they had ever seen. Deborah James wrote: My colleague had one etched on a punch bowl for a client that was a glass blower. I've also seen a resume made into a puzzle !! Erin Kennedy, CPRW wrote: Well, just recently I saw one that blew me away-- and I've only come across those every few years. It had a chart on it representing year over year revenue increase. It also had different colors-- not many, just two, but it was great to look at. I'm not sure how well it was received by hiring managers and recruiters, but I really liked it. Erin http://www.proreswriters.com Laura Decarlo wrote: While I've seen a lot of neat and original resumes, I still believe I hold the trophy for most creative resumes. One of mine, a chef's resume, won a first place most creative resume from the Professional Association of Resume Writers. This was a hunter green 'menu-style' folder with a 2-page spread resume with a full-color background and very elegant wording. The other one that comes to mind was a full-color original painting with the resume superimposed on it in puzzle pieces, mounted on foam core, and then cut into pieces which were put into a custom printed paint can for this artist seeking a position at an ad agency. The can was preceeded by a 4-week postcard campaign. This one won first place from the Professional Resume Writing & Research Association (before it was CDI and I was an officer). Did they work? The chef landed interviews with Ivanna Trump and Disney yachts, and went on to a lucrative career as a chef on private yachts (what he wanted). The artist landed interviews with Disney and several ad agencies, and went to work as a Creative Director for what was then the WB TV Network.

08/17/2008 08:16 PM

Perfectionism vs. Excellence

By Miiram Salpeter, Keppie Careers www.keppiecareers.wordpress.com One of my favorite bloggers, Anita Bruzzese, award-winning journalist and author, recently wrote about what a pain it is to work with a perfectionist. She said: The truth is, there’s a difference between perfectionism and excellence. Perfectionism on the job is anything but. It’s disruptive and unproductive. For the perfectionist, it can lead to physical illness and depression. For those who must work with a perfectionist, it’s annoying as hell. The problem is that the perfectionist gets so caught up in minor details that they can’t attain excellence. Instead, they become a bottleneck as they fuss, for example, with the binding of a project report instead of getting the report completed by deadline. The perfectionist boss hovers and nitpicks and agonizes over the smallest detail, preventing the staff from getting their work done… Instead of aiming for excellence, which can energize someone because they like what they’re doing and enjoy reaching for the top, perfectionism seems to bog people down in realizing what they’re missing, not what they’re gaining. I was struck by the distinction Anita made between perfectionism and excellence. I think many of us mistake one for the other in our lives, our careers and in our job hunts. It’s easy to be confused by the differences…After all, you may think, isn’t it semantics to debate the difference between two words that imply being “the best?” I don’t think so. Striving for quality - for excellence - is admirable and necessary. We should all commit the time, energy and resources necessary to achieve top-notch work. In a job hunt, you MUST strive for excellence. Your resume, cover letters, other correspondence, interview preparation…All of it needs to be first-class. It’s important to take your time, to review and double-check. Striving for excellence indicates that you care about the outcome and are willing to put your best efforts towards success. Quality doesn’t equal perfection, though. I often find myself quoting my first boss who said, “The perfect is the enemy of the good.” Why? Coping.org uses these words to describe perfectionism: Irrational, the underlying motive present in the fear of failure and fear of rejection, a reason why you may be fearful of success, a rigid, moralistic outlook, an inhibiting factor that keeps you from making a commitment to change habitual, unproductive behavior. Knowing the difference between excellence and perfection? As the credit card commercial says, “Priceless.” I think being able to distinguish between these characteristics is a soft skill that separates those headed for the peaks of success and those headed in a different direction. At the very least, everyone should be able to follow this advice: The next time you think about answering the pervasive but challenging, “What is your weakness?” interview question by insisting that you are a perfectionist…Think twice! Striving for excellence is our hallmark! Keppie Careers is here for you! Need a great resume? Some help to write the perfect cover letter? Write to me at results@keppiecareers.com and visit www.keppiecareers.com for more about what services we provide. If you want to receive free up-to-date tips to help with your job hunt, Click here to subscribe to receive future blogs sent directly to you!

08/13/2008 12:14 PM

Need Some Help Pleasssseee =)

Hello, This is my first time every writing on a sight such as this so bare with me.=) I am 37 years old I have been working since the age of 16 yrs. old and up until this year I have never had a problem getting a job or getting the job I wanted. My last job left me feeling very insecure what employers’ are really looking for in their employees. Although I was a temp (agency called TAP - Working strictly for county employees.) I worked for RCRMC a county hospital in Ca. I worked for 2 years always on time, always their, and I was a great employee without a doubt I believe I would eventually be considered for a full time permenate position. Unfortunately this did not happen. I was over looked 3 times for position that came available in my department same job I was doing, a job I believe I was very good at and new inside and out. Most my close co-workers could not understand why I was not hired on yet. In fact on of them even said, " Shelly don't waste your time here anymore if I was you I would look for another job else where." She has been working their for 18 years. She was the type of person that did not say much but when she did it was for a good reason. Anyway to make a long story short the only way to apply for most jobs is either thru e-mail or faxing and I have had no luck and I have applied for at least 50 jobs in the last 3 months. So if anybody can give me some advice or good tips on what to do and what not do I would really appreciate any help I can get. Thanks So Very Much To All Shelly

08/12/2008 12:19 PM

How to Find the Right Career Coach

I'm a life and career coach, and if you're looking for someone to coach you about something in your life or career, I may be a good match for you. Then again, maybe not. Coaching, as you can imagine, is not a one-size-fits-all service. That's why it's important to know before you start shopping for a coach what specifically you want. For example: * Are you having trouble in your job search? * Are you thinking about changing careers and have no idea where to start? * Are you looking to advance to the next tier in your company? * Do you know what you "should" be doing but just aren't getting it done? * Are you wanting to take your business to the next level? These are very different challenges. Most coaches will have great interest and experience with some of them and not as much interest or experience with others. Good coaches will only accept clients who are looking for results the coach is adept at producing. No one benefits from a client-coach mismatch. This article from Career Journal offers great advice about how to find the right career coach for you. I'm best at helping people make important career decisions and create and follow through on a plan of action. Want to leave your organization? Propel your career forward? Decide on a career after college? Change some habits so that you'll be a better manager or a better parent away from work? Start a business? Call me and let's talk. If you've tried everything in your job search and it's still not working, I've got someone in mind for you to talk with. If you need your resume re-written, I know just the person. If you need inside contacts in a particular industry or city, I suggest you find mentors. When you're highly motivated to move forward toward your goals and are paired with the right coach, you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish in very short order.

08/11/2008 07:59 PM

job search sites for 21st century

There are a slew of new job search sites out right now, some you've heard of, some you haven't. By now I hope that if you are a job seeker, Indeed.com is on your list. Its a job aggregator which searches all the job boards for you (except craigslist). If not then maybe Simply Hired is on your list? It works similarly. A few years ago Jobster was all the rage but now Jobfox is getting more attention. Then there are things like NotchUp, Jobs in Pods, and RealMatch to name a few more. Its a job search world out there, and we're all swimming in it.

08/11/2008 05:49 AM

My top 10 interview tips

1. Don't rush as you enter the door. You'll appear more poised and professional if you take your time. 2. Get the person's business card before leaving. You'll need their information in order to follow-up. 3. Have a story to tell about yourself. Make it relevant to the job you are interviewing for. 4. Be professional but be yourself. Be honest but not blunt. 5. Call the company if you are going to be late. But don't be late! 6. Make eye contact with everyone in the room, especially when you are speaking in front of a group of interviewers. 7. Be impeccably dressed. 8. Have extra copies of your résumé handy in case the interviewer has not yet seen it. 9. Bring a sample of your work to leave behind. It may enhance your chances for getting hired. 10. Prepare, prepare, prepare! Visit CHIMBY, the career advice search engine for more interview tips.