With a flooded job market, employers can be selective and choose to hire only the best of the best. It's hard enough to keep a job in this economy, let alone secure a new job, so there are a few things you can do to move yourself to the front of the pack. Whether you're looking for a job or have a job already, here are three important things to keep in mind:1. TAKE ON MORE RESPONSIBILITY• Offer to do an extra assignment...

One key networking option is often overlooked: Volunteering.Volunteering isn’t likely to get you a job directly, but it’s a low risk way to expand your network, showcase your skills, and gain some solid experience.Imagine spending 2 or 3 days a month volunteering. It’s not a huge commitment, and it doesn’t matter where you do it. You can volunteer at your favorite charity or nonprofit, or you could volunteer at a private se...

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), total employment is projected to increase by 15.3 million jobs in the decade from 2008 to 2018. That, quite frankly, is some of the best employment news we've heard in a long time. But in which sectors will those jobs be created? And which jobs within those sectors? The BLS has complied the numbers, and here are the 30 jobs with the largest projected employment growth:1....

Myth #1: Networking is simply getting a job because you know someone. The following is not a likely scenario:You: I know Darren – he’s a big shot at Accenture. He said you’d give me a job.Recruiting Director: Of course, I will. You’re hired. We’ll see you on Monday morning at 9:00. I’m assuming $200,000 will work for you as your new IT Specialist salary.Sadly, that’s not what networking is all about.Networking is ab...

For years, I’ve been telling the students I’ve presented to that they should be mindful of their Facebook presence. Employers can and will research potential hires on the web, and they may think twice about hiring an applicant if they find something they don’t approve of or worse. Even if something inappropriate is a joke, what does it say about the maturity level if they’re posting it on a public forum that can be accessed...

To ensure you land that dream job, it’s time to jumpstart your job search now. Follow these quick steps to get on your way: 1. Network, network, network. Eighty percent of jobs aren’t posted. Sixty-six percent of candidates get a job through networking. The single best way to get a job is to know somebody. Yes, it should be based on merit alone, but unfortunately, that isn’t how it works. Tap into as many connections as...

Networking is the key to getting to where you want to be. In the job search, the networking meeting is also known as an informational interview. The informational interview is a wonderful way to get your foot in the door at a company or in an industry. There are three goals for the networking meeting:1. Learn about the industry or job. 2. Make a favorable impression on the person with whom you are meeting. 3. Get names of...

I object to an objective statement on your resume.It’s true. Most of the time you simply don’t need one. If you are applying for a specific job at a specific company, what is your objective? Obviously, it’s to get that job. Yet time and time again, I see long, flowery objective statements like:Hard working strategic thinker looking to use my exceptional communication, leadership, and creative problem-solving skills in a...

There really aren’t too many things in life more awkward than a job interview. You’re dressed in a formal business suit, sitting across from a stranger. This stranger has the right to ask you anything from the most elaborate to the most mundane questions And you have to spend an hour talking about nothing but yourself. Actually, it sounds pretty similar to a blind date!Just like a blind date, there are some definite no...

Three years of relevant experience required.For many job seekers, this simple, job description statement is the kiss of death. If you want to change careers, you feel doomed by the frustration of not having the relevant experience. If you happen to be a student or recent graduate, it’s a catch 22 How are you suppose to get experience when you don’t have the experience to get a job?When faced with this conundrum, there ar...