Pros and Cons of Survival Jobs

 “Weigh the Pros and Cons Before Jumping Into a ‘Survival Job’”, an article by Pamela Yip in the August 30, 2010, edition of The Dallas Morning News in Section 1 discusses the move to a survival job after being unemployed for a lengthy period.  A survival job is a “low-end, low-paying job that a displaced job seeker takes on a temporary basis (often as a last resort) to cover living costs, in order to survive and avoid bankruptcy or worse,” a quote by Randall Hansen, a job-search expert in Kettle Falls, Washington.

The pros listed in the article include income, productivity, and confidence.  While the cons include lower wages, multiple jobs, limited time for job-hunting.  It seems to me if one needs money to survive, getting a job is the number one priority!   I have said many time if it is raining any shelter is welcomed!

I am thinking pride is the biggest reason unemployed will avoid a survival job. This feeling is certainly understandable.  Hopefully, potential employers also recognize the situation and deal with individuals seeking survival jobs accordingly.

Please share with readers of this blog your thinking about survival jobs and any advice you would provide long-term unemployed.   

Thanks!    Glyn    

Key Words and Online Resume

“Treat Your Job Search Like A Job”, an article by Cliff Garinn in the August 29, 2010, edition of The Dallas Morning News in section 1J discusses online programs which employers use to “weed out those who don’t fit the qualifications or who cannot follow instructions.”

I suggest that you tailor your resume for each potential employer. Insert words in your resume that are used in the organization’s advertisement. If the organization is seeking an outside salesperson and you have relevant experience, you should mention the word outside sales in your resume. Further, you need to follow the instructions from the organization to the letter! Creative writing and discussion of unrelated experience should be avoided.

I have noticed that Google is able to post job ads in my blog based on the subject of the blog. For example, I suggested that job seekers consider getting alternative certification in order to get a teaching job, and Google posted ads in my blog from organizations providing alternative certification classes.

Finally, proof read your email prior to submission. I develop my postings using Word’s editing and spelling features; unfortunately, I still find errors. My old saying is that the best way to proof a document is to publish it.

Please share with readers of this blog if you have had success in receiving responses from your email resume postings.

Thanks! Glyn

Resume Writing for a Recession

 

 “Resume Writing for a Recession”, an article in the August 22, 2010, edition of The Dallas Morning News in 1J by Staff and Wire Report provides a number of suggestions for individuals seeking employment in a job market flooded with individuals looking for work.

One of the articles’ suggestions is to avoid chronological formatting in a resume because many job seekers have gaps of employment during this period of high unemployment.  I personally think that avoiding disclosure of gaps of employment does not disguise the fact that such gaps exist.  A skillful interviewer will quickly investigate the applicant work history.  The employment situation is not a secret, and the hiring organization will appreciated honesty shown by an applicant. 

The article suggests that resumes should be tailored to the target employer by excluding irrelevant information and emphasizing accomplishments that fit the hiring organization’s requirements.  

Please share with readers of this blog how you structured a success resume that helped land you a job! 

Thanks!    Glyn    

Job Interview Suggestions

“Stand Out in the Interview”, an article in the August 14, 2010, edition of The Dallas Morning News in Section 19A from The Associated Press credits The Creative Group of Robert Half International for the following tips for the job interview:

1. Do your prep work – Visit the organization’s website, search online for new articles and ask people in your network if they have any insight about the organization.

2. Put you best foot forward from the start – Be polite to the reception staff when you check in, and smile warmly with everyone you meet.

3. Be aware of body language - Subtle cues, such as your eye contact, facial expressions and posture will affect how hiring managers perceive you.

4. Have a good story to tell – Be prepared to provide memorable anecdotes about how you have helped solve business problems. Describe the challenge, talk about your actions and outline the results. Come with interesting questions.

5. Be yourself – A hiring manager wants to get to know a real person who he or she would be happy to see every morning at the office.

6. Stay positive- If you do not get the job, if you accept rejection graciously, you may put yourself first in line for the organization’s next opening or if someone decides not to take the offered job.

Please share with readers of this blog your experience interviewing for a job.

Thanks! Glyn

How to Fit In At a Job Fair!

 “How to Fit In At a Job Fair”, an article in the August 11, 2010, edition of The Dallas Morning News in Section 2D by Dianne Stafford of The Kansas City Star provides the following pointers for job seekers attending job fairs:

1.    Dress up – Don’t wear baggy pants, flip-flops, untied tennis shoes, clothing with slogans, or skimpy tops that show cleavage.

2.    Don’t grab so many goodies that you can’t easily get to your resume – Please remember your purpose, to get a job, and not attending the state fair.

3.    Cover your tattoos and remove piercings – Such decorations do not indicate that you are a well qualified candidate.

4.    When asked what job you’re interested in, do not say anything or whatever - You should have in mind some kind of work that you are qualified to perform.

5.    Offer a firm handshake and a smile, and make eye contact.

6.    Bring a pen and paper – Ask for a business card from the person you are meeting. 

7.    Don’t ask, “What does your company do?” You will make a better impression by making a statement about the company’s business.

Please share with readers of this blog your experience attending job fairs.  Many job seekers say why bother with job fairs. What do you think?

Thanks!    Glyn    

Temporary Work Can Be Useful

I have discussed the merits of temporary jobs several times in this blog, and the subject is a frequent focus for advisers to job seekers. “Temporary Work Can Be Useful”, an article in the August 8, 2010, edition of The Dallas Morning News in Section 1J by Amy Winter of Creators Syndicate provides the following myths and facts for job seekers:

MYTH 1: Temporary assignments are mainly clerical or lower skills.

FACT:  Today more temporary work positions are available in professional and technical companies.

MYTH 2: Temporary work can’t be included on a resume.

 FACT:  Temporary work projects need to be put on resumes. Put the staffing firm as your employer and then list your job duties at the different companies.

MYTH 3: Temporary work will interfere with your search for a permanent position.

FACT: Temporary work assignments will most likely improve your job search. Many times, these temporary jobs will turn into full-time positions. Or job candidates will improve their skill set in temp positions while looking for a full-time job.

MYTH 4: Temporary work doesn’t pay well.

FACT: Temporary jobs usually pay about the same as salaried full-time position. For specialized skills, the pay may exceed salaried employees’ pay.

MYTH 5: Job candidate will have to pay to work for a staffing firm.

FACT: Usually, reputable staffing firms will not ask job seekers to pay for their services.  The fees are paid by the client businesses. You should avoid any staffing or employment firm that requires job seekers to pay their fees.

  

Please share with readers of this blog your experience with temporary jobs.

Thanks!    Glyn    

Stay Focused During Lazy Days of Summer

“Stay Focused During Lazy Days of Summer ”, an article in the August 1, 2010, edition of The Dallas Morning News in Section 1J  provides a summary of Tom Halls’ book How to use Key Core Strategies to Grow Your Business.  However, I think that the following ideas Hall provided are helpful for job seekers:

1.    Concentrate on your strategy to get meaningful employment: Produce a to-do list. Update with responsibilities and cross out completed items.

2.    Vacation doesn’t mean you avoid job search activities.  While on vacation, do not forget deadlines and contacting individuals in your job search network.

3.    Maintain communications with all submitted job applications.

4.    In addition, take some time to relax and recharge your job search batteries.

Please share with readers of this blog your suggestions how summertime and vacations can be spent finding meaningful and rewarding employment.

Thanks!    Glyn