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What Should You Do?

Define your goals and objectives

• Be honest with yourself.
  • Why do you want to leave your current position?
  • Can those reasons be addressed?
  • Will a new position fix the problem?
• Do you love to travel or hate to be away from home?
• Are you driven and career oriented or looking for work/life balance?
• Do you hate that commute to the office or do you utilize the time on the train to work or relax?
• Are you the primary benefit provider for the family?
• Would you enjoy experiencing a new area of the country or do you have deep and permanent roots in DFW?
• Do you yearn for a career path change?
• Do you enjoy the industry/public accounting or can’t wait to get away from it?
• Are you needing a challenge or needing to reduce the stress level in your life?
• Are you driven by earning more?
• How does your “real life” impact your “professional life”?

Updating your skills and preparing for today’s market

• Certifications are king! Are you willing to pursue a certification or reactivate a certification?
• Software skills….Excel, Access, major ERP systems, report writing packages
• Graduate degrees
• Refreshing undergraduate degrees
  • Getting those extra hours to pursue a certification

Online Job Search Tips for New Graduates
Make the Web Work for You, Not Against You

The job market is still favorable for fresh college grads, according to a new report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Their survey showed that employers plan to hire 17.4% more recent college grads this year than last. On top of that, this is the fourth straight year of double-digit job growth expectations for new grads. Plus, Baby Boomers are beginning their mass exodus from the workforce, which is opening up jobs to newer workers.

That’s why now is a great time for new graduates to approach their job search with zeal, applying for jobs in a range of industries, locations and areas to discover all their options. Thanks to many innovations on the World Wide Web, this is possible. Traditional job searching techniques such as networking through parents, friends and acquaintances, securing internships and sending out résumés are still important. But, now graduates must tailor their job-search efforts to the demands of an urgent, online world as well. So, how can graduates and other job seekers use the Web wisely and not drown in a turbulent online job environment? Here are some ways you can make traditional job search techniques work in the online world.

Networking

Traditional networking techniques are still critical for job seekers, and having a personal connection with a company is usually your best bet for getting your foot in the door. But when conducting an online job search, it’s important to think about how you network online. First, realize it works both ways. You may be looking for jobs online, but employers are looking for candidates on the Web as well. In fact, NACE reported recently that 41% of employers occasionally search for candidates through Google or online networking sites such as Facebook.com or MySpace.com. A similar survey by ExccuNet, an online career networking site, found that 77% of executive recruiters used search engines to research candidates, and 35% eliminated a candidate because of what they found. For many new graduates, this should be sobering news.

Your online brand, reputation and image are just as vital these days as your résumé and cover letter. Often, images, profiles and Web content on social networking sites can be even more telling. That’s why experts suggest that before applying for jobs online, you should conduct a Google search on yourself and examine what social networking site profiles say about you. Typically, anyone can access this information. Even limiting restriction to groups or schools may not keep potential employers from seeing your profile, because they may be school alumni or group members.

The bottom line is, if there’s information online you don’t want potential employers to see and you have access to it, take it down. If you didn’t post the content, such as photos, quotes, etc., ask the person who did to take it down for you, especially if they didn’t have your consent to post it to begin with. If you have a common name or share a name with someone whose profile isn’t flattering, consider putting your first or middle initial on your résumé and creating Web content that uses this moniker so the hiring manager can find real information about you.

Editing your existing online persona is vital to surviving the online job search world. But there’s more you can do as well. Many professionals are joining online networking sites that focus on careers, such as LinkedIn.com, to help them establish a professional online image. Another great way to control your online persona is to begin a professional blog about the industry, field or niche you want to work in. This will show your passion, knowledge and initiative to potential employers, and it can help you go far in your career.

Job Search

When it comes to searching the net for jobs, there are many avenues to pursue. Instead of choosing one method, the best bet is to hit them all. Look at sites such as Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com, but also go to Web sites of companies and organizations in your target geographical locations and job boards specializing in your field or desired location. Don’t just trust one Web site to find all the available listings. Also, think outside the box with the terms you use to search for jobs. Simply searching for job postings with the title of your major limits the positions you will find. Using your skills, knowledge, certifications and abilities as search terms will greatly increase your online job search success. The job description – not just the job title – can be a great way to find good job leads.

Résumé

It’s important to consider your résumé format when applying for jobs online. Have both a polished, designed résumé available in a read-only format such as a PDF or locked Word document and a text-only format ready for you to cut and paste into online application forms. Also consider creating a Web site for your résumé so you can simply link to it. You can make your online résumé shine by focusing on using key terms that highlight skills, qualifications, and buzz-terms in your field. Look at the job posting to ensure that you phrase your experience in terms of the qualifications and skills the job requires.

Applying

When applying for a job via the Web, some sites want candidates to fill out online applications and job seeker profiles, while others require documents to be e-mailed. First, whatever you do, follow the instructions and requests of each job opening specifically. If they state they don’t want résumés faxed, don’t fax them. Failure to follow directions will be the first way applicants get their résumés tossed in the “no” pile. If you are e-mailing your application, include your cover letter as the body of the e-mail, and attach your résumé as a document. Make sure when using e-mail that you send it to the hiring manager listed, and use their name in the e-mail itself.

Follow Up

Follow up is the big differentiator for online job seekers. Experts agree that the No. 1 mistake most applicants make is failure to show initiative, eagerness and drive by following up after applying for a job. And in the online job realm, following up can be your way to stand out from the crowd. Research shows that an overwhelming majority of employers value follow up within 1-2 weeks of application. How you follow up is less important. You can consider calling the organization, e-mailing the person you sent the application to or sending a hard-copy of your résumé and cover letter in the mail, specifying that you wanted to verify their receipt of your information. However you follow up, it’s important to emphasize your eagerness about the position, clarify skills and qualifications, and ask if there are any questions or clarifications the employer needs. This proactive approach can truly set you apart in a sea of applicants.

It’s a great time for new graduates to start searching for jobs, and your employment possibilities are perhaps broader than ever before, thanks to online capabilities. Using these tips can help you navigate the online job search so you can find a great new job. Approach your job search with enthusiasm and persistence, and your dream career may be right around the corner.

By Barbara Safani

Phone interviews are becoming more and more common as companies gain greater access to candidates and as more recruiters and hiring managers work from virtual office locations. On the positive side, with a phone interview you don’t have to worry about having your suit pressed, and you can have your notes right in front of you. On the flip side, it’s much more difficult to establish rapport and get a read on the hiring manager during a phone conversation.

Below are 10 tips to get the most out of your phone interviews.

1. Schedule the meeting during a time when you won’t be distracted.
   A phone interview should be scheduled like any other interview. At the designated appointment time, be sure the dog is in the backyard and someone else is watching the kids. Don’t add additional hassle to an already stressful situation. If a recruiter or hiring manager calls you without advance notice and wants to interview you on the spot, use caution. If the interview “conditions” are not optimal at the time of the call, it’s best to tell the interviewer that you are very interested in the position, but need to schedule another time to have a conversation. That time can be as soon as ten minutes later if that works for you — just make sure that you can take the call without being distracted.
2. Conduct interviews from a landline.
   Cell phones are a boon to modern communication, but the quality is still not the same as that from a land line. The last thing you want to do is frustrate the recruiter or hiring manager with a bad connection. Using a cell phone means you have a greater chance of getting distracted by multi-tasking when your attention should be completely focused on the interview. A landline forces you to stay in a relatively stationary locale. Plan your interview from a reliable phone line.
3. Create an office space.
   Dedicate an area as your office. This area could be as simple as a card table with a phone and your documents. Conduct your interviews from your “office”. Being seated at a desk or table allows you to create an environment similar to an in-person interview.
4. Put a mirror in front of you.
   This helps you focus, and it anchors your conversation to the visual representation of a person. Monitoring your facial expressions helps you see if you are communicating your enthusiasm to the recruiter.
5. Have a glass of water nearby.
   If your throat is dry or you get a tickle you can take care of it before it turns into a cough and disrupts the flow of the interview.
6. Have your notes in front of you.
   A phone interview is like an open book test. You can have your research about the company and answers to potential interview questions right in front of you. Try organizing your key information on colored index cards by category so you’re not fumbling through papers in the middle of the interview.
7. Vary your voice.
   Since the other person can’t see you, it’s critical that you vary the tone and cadence of your voice to communicate interest and develop rapport.
8. Use pauses effectively.
   Pauses in an interview situation are always difficult, and they can be especially awkward during a phone interview since you can’t judge what the interviewer is thinking by their body language. Rather than wondering what the person on the other end of the line is doing (or even if they’re still there!) use the silence to ask a question. For example, if the interviewer has just asked you about your strengths and your response is met with silence, make that an opportunity to ask a question like “What are the key strengths of your ideal candidate?” This tactic both takes care of the silence and allows you to learn more about the position.
9. Don’t multi-task.
   We have grown so accustomed to multi-tasking; however, as mentioned in tip #2, it can be counterproductive during a phone interview. Don’t check your email or stick a casserole in the oven while you are engaged in a phone interview. Act the same way you would for an in-office interview, and maintain your focus.
10. Practice.
    Record some of your answers to prospective interview questions. Play them back and critique yourself. Are you easy to understand? Are you talking too fast? Is your presentation riddled with long pauses and “ums?” Do you communicate interest and enthusiasm? If necessary, rework your answers and your overall presentation.

Barbara Safani, owner of Career Solvers, has over ten years of experience in career management, recruiting, executive coaching, and organizational development. She is a triple certified resume writer and frequent contributor to numerous career-related publications.

Are you selling your experience and knowledge or moving to a new path?

Do you have what employers want to see?

• Certification(s)
• Advanced degree(s) with high GPA
• Big 4 or public experience
• Their industry, their software
• Specific function experience

Don’t expect a 20% increase if you don’t meet their expectations

What is the basis of your salary expectation?

Selling Yourself at the Interview

1. Prepare, prepare, prepare
2. Know about the company
3. Have questions in hand
4. Prepare for questions you can anticipate
5. Be thorough but not chatty
6. Treat the interview like a first date:
   • Be on time
   • Professional attire
   • Bring copies of your resume, pen & paper, and letters of reference
   • Turn off your cell phone
   • Sell yourself
   • Be positive
   • Don’t chew gum
7. Always have a firm handshake and lot the interviewer in the eye
8. Ask if you can call with follow up questions and offer to be available if they have additional questions
9. End by telling them you are interested
10. Follow up with a thank you note

Acing the Interview: Proven Interview Techniques Meet 21st Century Expectations

After preparing a winning résumé, writing a cover letter and landing an appointment with the hiring manager, the last step in the job-seeking process is acing the interview. Experts agree that failing to prepare for an interview is what often lands candidates back in job search mode instead of the comfy new office chair of their desired employer. According to a recent survey, one-third of employers state that interview blunders are the most common reason that they have turned down applicants.

When it comes to interview advice, turning to a trusted friend or relative can be a great source of information, but in the information age, some new rules also apply. Being familiar with both the old and new rules of interviewing is a great way to ensure a successful interview.

Before the Interview
One of the most important ways to prepare for an interview is to research the organization. Traditionally, this was limited to asking around about the company’s reputation, calling the organization to find out about the dress code, culture and other basics, or relying on the information a job posting provides. Today, with easy access to online information, job seekers can and should find out as much as possible about the potential employer. No matter the department or position applied for, it is important to go to an interview equipped with knowledge of the company’s history, industry, business model, sales figures and leadership, as well as who their competitors are and any news concerning the organization in the past few months. This type of information is generally accessible from the company’s Web site, though it may take a little digging to find. Also, doing a Google News search on the organization is a great way to find the organization’s latest press coverage.

The time-tested technique of rehearsing answers to popular interview questions is also a great way to prepare for an interview. Doing a mock interview with a friend to develop confident answers and asking them to critique demeanor and appearance can improve an applicant’s performance. But new and pricier tools are also available, such as online interview preparation software. Another way to take advantage of the Internet is joining a free Web forum on handling difficult interview questions or a social networking group that focuses on interviewing.

Many of the traditional last-minute preparation tips are still applicable to today’s interviews, such as showing up 10 minutes early, avoiding chewing gum and dressing according to company policy. It is always advisable to take a résumé or portfolio, if applicable, and a statement of availability. However, these days it is also important to remember other helpful tips, including: removing body jewelry, covering tattoos and turning off cell phones and PDAs.

During the Interview
Experts have always advocated a positive, friendly approach, and that’s why they encourage interviewees to smile, shake hands firmly and look the interviewer in the eye. Answering appropriate interview questions completely and honestly is also essential, especially in the new digital age in which background checks can be performed instantly in many states. Interviewees should also be aware that any information they have posted about themselves online, such as on social networking sites or blogs, could also be viewed by potential employers.

Tackling difficult questions has always been tricky for interviewees, but in the past that has often been limited to questions that force creative or on-the-spot thinking skills. But as laws governing the hiring of workers change, the legality of some questions has also changed. In fact, there are certain questions that are illegal for an interviewer to ask, including certain questions about marital status; personal injuries on a job or physical impairments that would prevent an applicant from performing the job; arrest record; physical appearance; mental health history and prescription drug use or history of alcoholism, and other examples. When faced with an inappropriate question, there are several strategies to consider. The first method candidates may choose, if it does not make them uncomfortable, is to answer the question. If a question is discriminatory or makes the applicant uncomfortable, they should simply decline to answer and state their reasoning. Another tactic is to step around the question by asking the interviewer why they chose to ask that question.

Beyond facing difficult questions, interviewees should know that there are now many types of interviews they could face. In addition to the traditional interview, they may encounter the screening interview, the informational interview, the behavioral interview, the group interview and the follow-up interview, to name a few. Similarly, many employers are now utilizing personality tests to determine the fit of a potential employee. To know what to expect, and to have time to mentally prepare, candidates should ask the hiring manager for specifics on the interview process.

After the Interview
Etiquette experts and conventional wisdom alike advocate sending a thank you note or letter after an interview to signal interest. However, experts are at odds on whether traditional or electronic follow-up is best. In this high-speed world, a digital follow-up can be appropriate, especially if the interviewer will make the hiring decision quickly. Sending a respectful, short e-mail can do the trick and will place a candidate’s name back in front of the interviewer. However, if there is time, it is still a better idea to send a hand-written note, which can help candidates stand out from the crowd of applicants. A brief, sincere word of appreciation for the interviewer’s time and summary of skills is typically the best approach for a follow-up note.

From preparation to follow-up, the interview process can be daunting for anyone. However, using time-tested techniques and having knowledge of new demands can help instill confidence in any job seeker as they approach their interview date.