new 15 career tips for recent grads

Do Your Research

Before you go in for your interview, be sure to research the company you are applying to. By having an in depth understanding of the company as well as some background information on whoever is interviewing you, you will come across as prepared and interested in the company.

Practice Interviewing

Take time to practice interviewing before you go in for an interview. Have a family member or friend ask you the most common interview questions so you can be polished and know what you are going to say ahead of time instead of winging it.

Come Prepared With Questions

At the end of any job interview, the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions for them. Make sure you have a few questions to ask the interviewer. This can be anything from “what do you like best about your job?” to “how would you describe the work atmosphere here?” By asking a few questions, you show interest in the interviewer and the company.

When in Doubt, Dress Up

If you aren’t sure what kind of dress is expected of employees, be sure to go more formal than informal. By dressing up, you show that you are professional and that you are taking the interview process seriously.

Be Flexible

When applying for jobs, be flexible about where you apply. Don’t limit yourself to just one city or one company. Keep an open mind about all potential opportunities.

Keep Building Your Resume

While you apply for jobs, continue to build your resume. Take on an internship, volunteer, or take on a part time job. By continuing to build your resume and increase your skill set, you make yourself more marketable to potential employers.

Figure Out Where You Are Going Wrong

If you aren’t landing any jobs, take a look at where you are going wrong. If you aren’t getting any interviews, go back over your resume and spruce it up by getting more experience or adding information to it. If you are getting interviews but not jobs, practice your interviewing skills so that you can be more successful in your interviews and potentially get job offers.

Utilize Your Network

Reach out to the people in your professional network for their assistance in your job hunt. Oftentimes when it comes to getting hired, it’s not what you know but who you know. So send along your resume and have your contacts pass it along to anyone they know at their

Don’t Rely Solely on the Internet

When searching for a job, don’t depend solely on the Internet. Be sure to attend job fairs, industry events, and utilize other networking opportunities to get your resume out there.

Have an Elevator Speech

An elevator speech is a 30 second spiel about your experience and career goals. Having an elevator speech is not only a great way to quickly introduce yourself at networking events but is also a good way to answer the “tell me about yourself” interview question.

Sign Up for LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a great way to get all of your professional contacts in one place for networking. Sign up for LinkedIn, add everyone you know, and make sure to fill out your profile completely. LinkedIn also has a job search tool, so take advantage of that.

Send Thank You Notes

After every interview, be sure to send thank you notes to each person who interviewed you. Sending a thank you note shows that you appreciate the interviewer’s time and gives you an advantage over candidates who don’t send thank you notes.

Do What You Love

No matter what, take a job that you will love. If you don’t, you will be miserable and probably won’t end up staying at your job very long. Be sure you are happy with what you are doing.

Don’t Get Discouraged

If you are getting lots of rejections, don’t get discouraged. Remember that times are tough right now and getting a job is hard. Keep sending out your resume and stay positive.

Utilize Your School’s Resources

Most schools will give graduates access to their career center up to one year after graduation. So head on over to your career center to get your resume critiqued, practice your interviewing skills, and check out recent job postings.

11 job search tips for 2011

1. Narrow your search. Stop applying to jobs that you're not qualified for or don't really want. It's a waste of time. Be truthful with yourself when evaluating job postings. If you had to begin the job tomorrow, do you have all the skills you'd need to succeed? Or are there areas of the job description that you don't have experience in? While it's always great to be willing to learn, most companies want to hire someone who can jump right in and get started without being trained from scratch. Focus your time on creating great applications for jobs you are well qualified for instead.

2. Know exactly what you want. Narrowing down your job hunt may force you to ask yourself tough questions like: What kind of job am I actually after? And, what skills can I offer an employer? If you're unsure of the answer, make one list of the job skills you excel at and one of the skills you like to use most. Use these skills as search terms in your job search.

3. Reevaluate your skill set. If you feel like you've looked at each job posting on earth and you still can't find one your skills match up with, then it's time to get some latest skills. The good information for those who are unemployed is that it's the perfect opportunity to go back to school. You won't have to divide your time with your job obligations, and there's also the possibility that the economy will have recovered a bit by the time you graduate school -- giving you a double leg up. There are even government funding and programs available for out-of-work job-seekers that want to enroll in training or continue their education.

4. Set goals. Yes, your overall aim may be to get a job, but setting short-term, specific job search goals for the year will help you grow and force you to continuously evaluate your progress. Develop your networking skills, for example, by making January's goal to join a professional organization and February's to attend a college alumni event. Holding yourself accountable for achieving these goals will boost your self-esteem and motivate you to continue searching by providing you with new leads and information.

5. Try something new. If you're stuck in a job search rut, add a fresh strategy to your repertoire. Instead of only job searching online, try working with a recruiter and setting up informational interviews with industry contacts, too. A multi-faceted approach will get the best results.

6. Get a leg up on the competition. If you come across a job that seems just right for you, do something that will subtly help you stand out from the crowd. When you find a job posting you want to apply to, find out the name of the hiring manager or someone who works in the same area, and send the person an e-mail directly. It's 2011, which means almost anything can be found online, including names and e-mail addresses. A LinkedIn search on the company should turn up a list of workers and their titles, from which you can select the most appropriate person. Then, search the company website or press releases for the company's e-mail format.

7. Get a hold of your online reputation: When an HR manager searches your name online (and they will do it) you can either take control what they see, or you can leave it to the powers of the crawl search gods. Search results that are professional, consistent and that establish you as an expert in your area will be far more impressive than Facebook pictures from Thanksgiving. Things like a Facebook or LinkedIn profile and a Twitter feed will all show up on the first page, so signing up for these sites and populating the accounts with up-to-date, professional content will make a great impression.

8. Start a website: If you want to take your Internet presence one step further, starting a website will showcase your skillfulness and talents in a thorough and interesting way, and it'll add to your professionalism and provide you credibility. Plus

9. Stay current: You should always be in the loop, even if you're out of work. Read trade publications, comment on industry blogs, and stay on top of any emerging technologies or policies that may impact your profession path. This will not only help you have a great conversation with an interviewer and keep your professional edge, but it may also give you latest ideas about where and how to look for a job.

10. Sell yourself: An interview is no time for modesty, particularly in times like these. When you land an interview, go prepared with at least five examples that demonstrate your best qualities. That way, when an interviewer asks, "Why should I hire you," you can speak about how you're such a quick learner that you taught yourself Photoshop in a week and how your entrepreneurial spirit lead you to start your first lawn-mowing business at age 16. Be sure to leave the interviewer with the phone numbers of references who will back you up with glowing recommendations.

11. Keep that glass half-full approach, all year: A job search will always have its frustrating moments, because things don't always happen when or how we want them to happen. But instead of letting setbacks ruin motivation, take them as lessons. Your lack of interviews may mean it's time to re-evaluate your career path or skillfulness, which could lead you to a more fulfilling profession. This type of positive attitude will be much more productive in helping you find your next job.

Tips for dressing for the job interview

Do your homework.

Yes, dressing for the interview requires you to research the boss. If you are applying for a job with a young, trendy boutique, dress in a way that the interviewer can envision you in their shop servicing their clientele.

Stylish is better than funky.

Employers want to see that you will fit in with their business. However, be warned - stylish is better than funky. Too much "trend" can scare a potential employer away. Fine taste is more valuable than how avante-garde you can be. This is not the time to experiment. For the guys, the same rules apply.

Clean goes a long way.

Clean, pressed khakis or costume pants are preferred. Clean, appropriate shoes and accessories are essential (use a tie if it matches the employer's profile). No T-shirts with political satire, obscene graphics or logos.

Accessories.

Be frugal with jewelry - less is more. If your jewelry jingles, makes noise or can get caught on any of your clothes, leave it at home.

Keep your grooming simple.

Hair should be clean and neat, and nails clean and well manicured. Chipped nail polish will not make a fine impression. The applicant should look like they cared enough to shower. Go light on makeup. Heavy eye makeup or lipstick is a no-no.

Go easy on the perfume and aftershave.

There is nothing worse than causing your interviewer to have an allergic reaction.

Shoes need to be clean and in good shape.

No sandals of any kind - no matter where you live

Color is important.

Dressing for the interview also requires that you choose colors carefully.

"Color as part of your interview strategy is extremely main since it is a useful tool in conveying a powerful message - that said, make sure you're sending the right message,"

"Wear" confidence.

"Confidence comes from knowing who you are and what your values are, and most importantly being comfortable with them - whether or not you get the job," Your stage of confidence really does come across in an interview, so don't forget to come prepared and show it.

9 great interview tips

1. "Do your study. There's nothing worse than walking into an interview without knowing about the company. You should be able to clearly articulate why you're interested in that particular company and that particular position. Check the company's site, search for current news items featuring the company, read the company's blog and look for their Twitter or Facebook page."

2. "Know yourself. You need to be prepared for all sorts of questions about yourself, including your past experience, education, knowledge, skills, strengths, weaknesses, preferences and personal traits. Figure out how these things align with the needs of the employer."

3. "Prepare questions in advance. When an employer asks ‘Do you have any questions?' always ask questions. It shows you're enthusiastic and interested in working for the company."

4. "Practice, practice, practice! Visit Career Services for a mock interview, where we simulate the actual interview experience and provide you with feedback afterward. This is a great way to ease your nerves and boost your self-confidence before a true interview."

5. "Dress for winner. Any time you meet with a potential employer formally (through an information session, workshop you attend or a career fair) or informally (through a family friend or for a casual informational interview), always dress and conduct yourself in a professional manner."

6. "Before you arrive, put the mobile phone away, change your shoes and attire if necessary and put away your water bottle miles away. You never know who you can run into."

7. "Shake his or her hand and look him or her in the eye, even if you're nervous. No one expects perfection, just professionalism. Nonverbal cues are just as important as what you tell."

8. "Have extra copies of your resume with you."

9. "Always, always send a follow-up ‘thank you,' either as a card or e-mail. Follow-through is a main transferable skill to exhibit."

Interview tips: Preparation is job No. 1

Customize your resume to highlight the skills you have for the position you are seeking. Study information on the company, look at the products they sell or the services they provide. Find out what makes that company different.

Be prepared to answer the question, "Tell me about yourself." It's your opportunity to connect to the position. Speak about earlier work experiences that relate to the job to which you are applying. Summarize your experience in two or three sentences.

Be ready to describe a hard work situation and how you handled it. These types of questions can be intimidating, but display your adaptability and analytical skills to the company. Describe the situation or task, the action you took and the results.

Be prepared to talk about your weaknesses. When an interviewer asks for your weaknesses, be honest, but turn the negatives into positives. Tell them something that was a weakness but you overcame. For example, you were terrible with Excel and then took a community college course on the program.

Never say anything negative about your earlier employer. Statements such as "My visions were special than the company's" or "There wasn't room for growth" are acceptable answers. Another sensitive topic may be compensation. Research the salary for the position, but it's OK to ask for the range if the information is not shared up front.

Bring in questions for when the manager asks, "Do you have any questions for me?" If you do not ask any questions, the interviewer may think that you are uninterested in the position.

Thank you notes show your appreciation for the interviewer's time and consideration.

Show enthusiasm "An interviewer can tell when you are interested in the position

Ten Tips for Career Changers

1. Understand what’s behind your desire to make a change.

Maybe you are starting to become disillusioned with your job. You’re bogged down. Perhaps you’re no longer on the way up. This is the time to step back and start to think about life more broadly. But be warned, career changers can go into mourning. All of a sudden, you realize how you miss their old career, and you’re not really open to replacing those things.

2. Get your life in order.

Get physically and financially fit. Change is stressful. When you’re physically fit, you have more power and are mentally sharper to face the challenges ahead. Starting a fresh career later in life takes an incredible amount of strength and energy.

3. Be practical.

If possible, make your move in stages. You may need to upgrade your skills and education, but take one class at a time. If you’d like to go to graduate school, maybe start by taking a night classes. You don’t have to enroll in a full-course load. You can include more classes as your direction and motivation become clear.

4. Find a mentor.

Ask for help. Seek advice from people who have been winning in the field you are interested in switching into from the start. Everybody likes to be asked for counsel.

5. Be prepared for setbacks.

It’s not all-smooth sailing, but if you’ve laid the correct groundwork, you’ll get through the rough patches. Having your family or partner at your back for support will help tremendously. They don’t have to own your dream, but be supportive.

6. Volunteer or moonlight.

You might try on several jobs before you find the one that’s correct. Anne Nolan, executive director of Crossroads Rhode Island, the state’s biggest homeless shelter, started as a volunteer. She didn’t know what she wanted to do when she lost her executive-level career. She had a year’s salary and time to think her options through. She decided to volunteer at the shelter–not because she dreamed it would turn into a full-time job.

7. Research. Look for jobs that leverage experience.

Check out job web sites like encore.org, retiredbrains.com, workforce50.com, to get a flavor for what others are doing and what jobs are out there at the present. Investigate fields like healthcare, the clergy, eldercare and education that have a growing demand for employees. The Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good reference.

8. Don’t lock yourself into a must-have salary.

Salary is the biggest roadblock for most career changers. Chances are when you start-over in a new field or move to a nonprofit, you will need to take a salary cut at least primarily. If you have an emergency fund to buy you time, you can to do a more thoughtful job hunt. Pare back your discretionary living expenses to reflect a more realistic view of what you’ll earn. What are the things that are main in your life? What things are actively giving you pleasure that you might have to give up?

9. Keep your hand out of the cookie jar.

Don’t dip too deep into your core savings. Of all the mistakes older employees make in launching second careers, this is probably the bad. Would-be entrepreneurs aren’t necessarily raiding retirement accounts to launch businesses, but they’re tapping home equity and other savings, and that has obvious implications for retirement safety.

10. Do something every day to work toward your goal.

Changing careers can appear overwhelming. Don’t struggle to find an ideal initial point or perfect path, is great advice I gleaned from Clearways Consulting career coach Beverly Jones, a second-acter herself. Once you have some picture of where you want to go, get things moving by taking small steps toward that vision. What really matters is that you do a little something on a regular basis.

Quick job hunting tips

Networking is the greatest way to find jobs. Talk to family, friends and acquaintances, attend job fairs or business events, use the Web or volunteer.

Research workplaces. At least know their history and mission before the job interview.

Be specific when listing technical skills on resume. Don't say, "I have computer skills"; write, "I am proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel."

Make sure resumes and cover letters have no mistakes. Ask three to four other people to review them for errors and clearness.

Don't send the same cover letter and resume to each company, and don't list every skill or past job. Tailor the resume to showcase which of your talents and skills fit the job description. For manufacturing jobs, for instance, highlight machining abilities and training. For consumer service, focus on social skills and experience.


Ask one to three question during the interview. Also ask when you may expect to hear back from the employer.

Send the interviewer a hand-written thank-you note by the day after the interview. If the interviewer is hours away and a hand-written note isn't possible, send a mail.

Put contact details on the cover letter and include that you'll follow up in one week.

10 tips for boosting your career in 2011

1. Look out for number 1

Take responsibility for your own career growth. Many big organizations have scaled back on training and development a regular outcome of the economic downturn and small companies can rarely provide significant support.

2: Be strategic

Have a long-term career strategy, or at the very least, a sense of where you’re headed. Ask yourself, “What do I actually want to do?” or “Where do I see myself in 5 to 10 years?” Seek people in similar roles and ask for their advice.

3: Work in step with your company’s goals

Connect the dots from your role to your company’s vision and key objectives. How does your work align with the organization’s aims? What can you do to maximize your contributions?

4: Be customer centric

Whether your clients are internal or external, know their wants and needs and be fervent about meeting them. Bring the voice of the customer into your day-to-day job and let it enhance your decisions and deliverables.

5: Collaborate

Working with and through others is requisite to innovating, creating, and producing business results. Adopt a mindset for teaming and collaborating and put it into every day practice.

6: Hone your communication skills

Communication skills can make or break careers. Pick one part that needs your attention considering skills such as listening, presenting, influencing, persuading, or distilling messages and commit to development. Take a class, practice with a trusted friend or colleague, or join a group such as Toastmasters.

7: Cross over functionally

Many winning executives have risen through the ranks by taking cross-functional roles, such as moving from finance to sales or from marketing to IT. Follow their lead and you can develop your skills, your network, and your political capital.

8: Expand your experience

Volunteer for special projects or assignments that are outside your daily role. Discuss your aims with your boss, an HR representative, or a senior leader and ask for help in finding opportunities to broaden your experience base.

9: Find a guide

Mentors can serve as influential role models and provide important guidance for your career. Reach out to a potential mentor within your company or industry and see if he or she would be open to mentoring you for a particular purpose and timeframe.

10: Network now

The best time to raise your network is today. Starting at the present, get involved in groups such as professional associations, charitable organizations, or even sports leagues. Step into leadership roles and make your expertise known.

10 tips to improve your interview skills

1. Know the job, and know the company. "If I've got a place open for a nuclear engineer," told Laura Paddock, talent acquisition manager at TVA, "do they understand that I'm a utility. Do they understand what TVA does? We're always surprised to hear public say, 'I don't know a lot about you, other than that you make electricity.' "

2. Be willing to do what it takes. Brad Pope, vice president of human resources at Memorial Health Care System, told knowing that a candidate has the willingness to do the job for which he or she is interviewing is the No. 1 thing he looks for during a conference.

3. Be on time. Or early. And if you're kept waiting, be gracious about it. "We've had candidates who have complained," told Kathy Reid-Papson, talent acquisition manager at BlueCross Blue Shield of Tennessee.

4. Be honest about your experience. "Don't lie, either on your resume or during the interview," Paddock said. "Don't oversell yourself." Speak accurately to the roles you had in previous jobs.

5. Turn off the cell phone, or better yet, leave it in the car. You want to focus on the interview, not on what is ringing or vibrating in your pocket.

6. Address the interviewer by the right name. "It seems like many candidates don't go to the trouble, when setting up an interview, of listening to hear with whom they'll be speaking," told Reid-Papson. "Maybe it's one person, maybe it's three, but they need to know who they are and what their titles are, so ask that when the interview is being set up."

7. Look and act the part. Be professional in dress and demeanor. "Can they articulate?" said Paddock. "Do they provide professional responses, regardless of the position?"

8. Don't talk to the interviewer about your personal problems. "If a person's looking for a job, obviously they need and want to work," told Reid-Papson. "But if they start getting into too many details about not liking their former boss or their husband doesn't want them to go to work, anything that's personal can become a turnoff pretty fast."

9. Don't ask about salary out of the gate. "That's a bit of a red flag," said Paddock, "because it sends the message that the person is only interested in the salary and not in the bigger picture."

10. Be specific. Employers are interested in hearing examples of your successes and failures. Rather than just saying, "Yes, I have management skills," tell the recruiter about a project you led and what you learned.

3 Tips for better job-searching

Move away from the traditional resume.

You were taught in college to create a resume out of a Microsoft Word document. Times have changed, and you need to create a virtual resume instead. First, complete your LinkedIn profile by filling out each field and asking for recommendations. Then, turn your profile into a resume by going to www.resume.linkedinlabs.com.

Brush up on your soft skills.

A fresh Kelly Services research study of 100,000 people identified verbal communication as the most important skill for professionals. I also recommend having a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, problem-solving skills, team building skills and the ability to be flexible in work environments.

Network online — the right way.

Using social networks to get a job is a great idea only if you invest time in connecting with the right people instead of updating your status with the final meal you ate. Forty-four percent of people said that they unfollow in Twitter because they get too many updates, a SmartBrief.com report told.

Here are five tips to refresh your job hunt

• Reconsider the chronological resume. Using a format that highlights skills instead of employment history may be more productive

• Invest in latest packaging. Look outside the particular industry or field you’ve focused on. It’s possible the skills that make marketable in that field can be transferred to another

• Switch up your networking. Look for different groups to join and fresh ways to meet people outside your usual circle

• Get a second opinion. Ask a friend with good professional judgment to give you comment on your interview performance and have a recruiter or friend give you ideas for your resume and

• Expand your reach. If you can’t find what you’re looking for locally, explore options outside your present city.

Job Hunting Tips For The New Year

•Narrow your search. You are wasting your time applying for jobs that you're not qualified for or don't truly want. Instead, focus on the jobs you're well-qualified for.

•Do something to stand out from the competition. If you come across a job you want, send the hiring manager an email directly. Chances are the data can be found online.

•Check out your online reputation. That HR manager will. Better you take control of what the search of your name will bring up before that happens.

•It may help to start a Websites. It's a fine way to showcase your skills and talents. Websites aren't as expensive or difficult as you might think.

•Stay current. Keep in touch with what is going on within your industry. It may help you when that job interview comes.

5 smartphone tips for job hunting

1. Launch your Facebook app and remove damaging images of yourself. If you don't consider this is necessary, guess what — it is. Recruiters are getting savvier, and Google and Facebook searches are becoming the norm, so get embarrassing pics out of your photo album. Oh, and don't forget to parse pictures that your friends have tagged of you. (Your pics might be pristine, but you know some doofus uploaded that image of you and your ex doing body shots last month.) If your app doesn't support that, try it in your cell phone browser, or leave yourself an audio note, email or other reminder to do it when you're at your desktop, so you don't forget.

2. Access Linked In via an app or browser and accept EVERYONE (well, maybe not that high school chum with the criminal record and school listing of "Graduate of F.U.!" Yeah, him you can leave off). This will widen your networking pool, which is accurately what you want when job searching. And don't forget to message earlier supervisors and ask if they'll write you online recommendations. If you're actually into the Linked In thing, then joining industry groups for your desired field is also another way of connecting with new contacts and potential employers.

3. Keep a copy of your resume and a cover letter on hand — like in an app like DropBox, for example. I'm a big fan of DropBox, since there are Android, iPhone and BlackBerry apps for this, in addition to desktop and online access to free accounts. All that stays in sync, so there's no worry over sending the wrong version, no issue which you use. Of course, it's better to tailor each cover letter for the particular opening — not to mention that typos are notorious on handsets — but if you happen to come upon an opportunity that needs urgent response (and you're nowhere near your computer), at least you'll be prepared.

4. Keep your own professional contact info in your own addressbook (complete with URL to your online resume). I've actually had amazing conversations with people at parties, social outings and random venues that lead to incredible opportunities. With your own info on hand, you can mail it to the contact on the spot, or better yet — if they're carting around the Bump iPhone or Android application, you can knock devices to share your 411, all while looking like a savvy, hip, techno-forward professional they'd just love to have.

5. Use job search apps. In truth, some are excellent, some aren't. You'll have to do a little research to see which offer the best opportunities in your area. Generally speaking, for the iPhone, there's Monster.com's app. For Android users, there's Job Search. Both are must-haves on any job seeker's device, but feel free to bookmark the online classifieds in your cell phone browser of choice as well.

Tips for Quality Teamwork

Team work is a significant for an organization or company. It is essential to have effective task and logical end. Teamwork is the cornerstone that can either make or break your department. As per Bill Bethel words: A successful team is a group of many hands but of one mind. Tips to get out the best work in team.

Effective communication: The communication between the team members should be free flowing, well channelized and directed towards achievement of project success.

Efficient assignment: Assigning responsibilities is as important as ensuring it is fulfilled perfectly. Therefore, it is essential to assign work as per the capability of team members.

Common goals: The focus clearly is attainment of common goals. Therefore, it is vital to set aside personal points of view, be aware of organizational goals and work towards achieving targets together.
Respect: To work in coordination, it is essential to understand and respect others in the team.

Trust: A term vital for any relationship also applies to a team-oriented environment. Team secrets, details of new projects or any new development within the team shouldn’t be divulged unless it is in the interest of the organization.

Site a good example: Each team member, through his work, should set an example for others to follow.

Four New Year's Resolutions to Fast Track Your Career

1. Upgrade your autonomy.

Specialists in the uber-trendy field of positive psychology have identified the #1 barrier to your happiness (the cultivation of which is surely a valuable New Year's goal). The culprit? Lack of autonomy (as anyone with a micromanaging boss can tell you). This current year, find ways to flex your mojo by choosing, to the extent possible, when and how to do your work. Two excellent strategies are lobbying for more flexibility in your list (as with Best Buy's "Results Only Work Environment"), or, at minimum, aiming to reduce the number of soul-sucking meetings you're subjected to (check out these tips for reasons to call off meetings and some positive alternatives you can suggest).

2. Take more lunches.

Networking maven Keith Ferrazzi famously instructed us to "Never Eat Alone" (the title of his excellent 2005 book) as a method to build connections. The advice becomes even more urgent, however, when coupled with research from Stanford University business school professor Jeffrey Pfeffer, who investigates how executives cultivate power. As he notes in a latest Harvard Business Review blog, "If you're in a position to bring together unrelated groups of individuals who benefit from being in contact with each other, that's a form of power." In short, the path to success is becoming a "broker" who fills holes, transmits information and cultivates connections.

3. Lose weight.

You didn't think I'd leave off this perennial favorite, did you? Unfortunately, this advice applies only to the ladies out there, as you'll see in this Wall Street Journal piece. For male execs, corpulence correlates with high pay up to the point of obesity, when their salaries begin getting docked. For women, shedding pounds can be lucrative: if you weigh 25 pounds below average, you'll bring in over $15,500 more than your "normal" peers and nearly $30,000 more than overweight women. (I'm officially noting my socio-political revulsion, but I'm sure the researchers are correct.)

4. Spend more time with your family.

And alas, this one's just for the gents. This interesting Harvard Magazine profile of Harvard Business School professor Amy Cuddy discusses her study into perceived warmth and competence on the work. Mothers, it turns out, are seen as nicer and less competent in the workplace, Cuddy reports, while "fathers experience the 'fatherhood bonus.' They're viewed as nicer than men without kids, but similarly, if not more, competent. They're seen as heroic: a breadwinner who goes to his kid's soccer game once in a while." So dads: time to hit the stands and begin cheering.

Tips to Boost your Interview Skills

Even the smartest and most qualified job seekers need to prepare for job interviews. Why, you ask? Interviewing is a learned skill, and there are no second chances to make a great first impression. So study these strategies to enhance your interview skills.

Practice Good Nonverbal Communication:

It's about demonstrating confidence: standing straight, making eye contact and connecting with a good, firm handshake. That first nonverbal impression can be a great beginning -- or quick ending -- to your interview.

Dress for the Job or Company:

Today's casual dress codes do not give you permission to dress as "they" do when you interview. It is important to look professional and well-groomed. Whether you wear a suit or something less formal depends on the company culture and the position you are seeking. If possible, call to find out about the company dress code before the interview.

Listen:

From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information, either directly or indirectly. If you are not hearing it, you are missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard what was said. Observe your interviewer, and match that style and pace.

Don't Be Too Familiar:

The interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This is not about making a new friend. Your level of familiarity should mimic the interviewer's demeanor. It is important to bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview and to ask questions, but do not overstep your place as a candidate looking for a job.

Don't Be Cocky:

Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There is a fine balance between confidence, professionalism and modesty. Even if you're putting on a performance to demonstrate your ability, overconfidence is as bad, if not worse, as being too reserved.

Take Care to Answer the Questions:

When an interviewer asks for an example of a time when you did something, he is seeking a sample of your past behavior. If you fail to relate a specific example, you not only don't answer the question, but you also miss an opportunity to prove your ability and talk about your skills.

Ask Questions:

When asked if they have any questions, most candidates answer, "No." Wrong answer. Part of knowing how to interview is being ready to ask questions to demonstrate an interest in what goes on in the company. Asking questions also gives you the opportunity to find out if this is the right place for you. The best questions come from listening to what you're asked during the interview and asking for additional information.

Don't Appear Desperate:

When you interview with the "please, please hire me" approach; you appear desperate and less confident. Maintain the three C's during the interview: cool, calm and confident. You know you can do the job; make sure the interviewer believes you can, too.

Job Hunting Tips for your New Years Resolutions - Reactive Search

Tip #1 - Know what you want and where to look.
Before starting to look, do a good assessment of your preferences and priorities. Know what you are looking for and where you won't go. It is better to begin by identifying your bull's eye job and expand from there than to apply for anything and everything you find online. If you know you and your significant other have no intention to move to Iowa, don't begin applying for jobs there. If you know that you would prefer to work in marketing or PR, don't start applying for jobs in logistics. More times than not, you might get these jobs, only to be left having to launch another job search after you confirm what you already knew (i.e. you don't like to live in Iowa or like working in logistics). Being able to articulate your preferences will also be invaluable to keep your supporters and network updated about what you like and how they can help you. Also, know that hiring managers are busy and want to make sure that they get the most bang for their buck. Therefore, they will avoid big job boards and instead will advertise their jobs on industry-specific job boards. For more information about responsible job boards, see my earlier post on where to find job postings in Corporate Social Responsibility, Social Enterprises, and Non-Profit Management.

Tip #2 - Focus on quality over quantity.
Hiring managers are too busy to parse out what on your resume is most relevant to the work you are applying for. Furthermore, many times, your application will not be reviewed by a hiring manager right away. Instead, it will be scanned by a software programmed to assess whether 60-80% match in words appear between your resume and the job posting. If you do not meet that requirement, your resume will be discarded even before any human being has a chance to evaluate your credentials. Therefore, when applying for jobs, make sure that your tailor your resume (and cover letter) to highlight your most relevant qualifications and education using when possible the same terms as those provided in the job description. Of course, you need to remain truthful and accurate about your experience and education. The more you can highlight how close your profile is to the ideal candidate described in the job posting, the higher your chances to get the interview.

Tip #3 - Be pleasantly persistent.
Applying for the job online is only the initial step in converting your application into an interview. Within 10 days of your application, I would recommend that you conduct informational interviews with people who work at the organization to learn more about the organization's culture. Learn as much as you can online, and then connect with friends of friends, friends of mentors, or alumni from your alma mater who work in the organization. Tell them about what you have learned online that make you interested about the organization, and ask them about their experiences at the organization. If they ask if you are interested in a job, you can say yes, but focus the conversation about their experiences at the organization, taking notes about how these conversations further strengthen your interest in the organization. About 10 days to 2 weeks after you apply, send a follow up email or call the hiring manager to ensure that s/he received your application, and to reiterate your interest. Then include 2-3 additional points from your conversations with people from within (provide their name and their title as well) that make you even more interested in the opportunity. Then follow up with them every 10 days to two weeks if you don't hear from them. Always remain pleasant in your conversation, reiterating your interest, asking if the person has any insights regarding the hiring time line for the position, or needs any additional information regarding your application. As compared to the vast majority of other candidates who might not have followed up or taken the time to learn more about the organization, this step might become your differentiating factor. Most importantly though, this step will also enable you to find out whether this organization is the right environment for you.

Five ways to risk failure and improve your career

Don’t let it sting.
If you try something new and difficult such as applying for a “reach job” and then you miss the mark or get rejected, don’t think of it as stoppage. As my mother used to say, “Failure is just a perception.” Pat yourself on the back for taking the risk, and move on.

Find a problem.
If your job feels unfulfilling, find a difficulty at work that needs solving. Then work on finding the solution. This is also a basic recipe for identifying new business ideas. If you don’t succeed, figure out why and try again.

Get unstuck.
If you hate what you’re doing, fix it. Take on new tasks at work, for example, or learn a new things. The worst thing that can happen is you’ll fail. More likely, though, you’ll figure you why you’re stuck.

Surprise yourself.
Do something completely out of character. Apply for a job in a foreign country. Sit in on a meeting in a different department. Open your mind to new career possibilities by taking a chance at something unknown.

Easy does it.
Many people get all worked up trying to come up with ways to forward their careers. Great ideas often come when you stop trying so hard. Pay attention to your daydreams and the things you read or see on TV that truly interest you. There might be a future career or business idea there.

Broaden your scope when it comes to career ideas

Whether you are at the start of your career, looking for a change, or simply after a new job, it is a good idea to brainstorm different career ideas and approaches.
This section outlines how to network and provides a list of tips, books and websites, all dedicated to career ideas.

How to network

Networking isn't necessarily asking for a job. It’s about letting people know you are available so if a vacancy comes up, they will think of you. In fact, tapping into your existing network is often the best way to find new opportunities or generate new career ideas.

Three steps to effective networking

1. Start by making contact with someone you know. Unless you see them regularly (at work or at weekly social or sports events) it is quicker to contact them by telephone.
2. Then try a 'warm call', that is, use the name of a mutual friend or acquaintance as an introduction when you call someone you don't know personally.
3. Finally, try 'cold calling' employers to ask whether they are likely to recruit people with your capabilities and skills.

Tips for making contact

It isn’t always easy speaking with people you don’t know. Follow these tips to take the pressure off yourself and ensure you give a good impression.
• write down what you want to say and rehearse it
• tell them your reason for contacting them
• check if they have time to talk at the moment – if not, call back later
• keep the phone call short and focus on your reason for calling – this makes a professional impression
• research the organization before you go to a meeting – potential employers will be impressed by your initiative
• follow up your meeting with an email or letter thanking them for their time.

7 Tips to Give Your Career a Social Media Facelift

• Give your perspective a facelift.
To develop a valuable social media marketing presence, requires accepting that social media has become an integral part of how we communicate and share information. Not participating means that you’re missing a big part of the conversation.

• Do your research.
Just as you would practice for the job interview, use time lurking on the sidelines to get a feel for how people communicate and share on social media networks and the type of language they use.

• Check the grapevine.
In business, as in your individual life, you need to know what people are telling about you. Two simple, low cost ways to accomplish this are Google searches and alerts. This may not job as well if you’ve got a common name.

• Put your best foot forward.
The online equivalent of the fresh interview suit is your social media presence on various social media platforms. To this finish, think about how you want to position yourself just as you would when marketing any other product. Unlike the previous fashioned resume, career-oriented social media tends to be forward looking.

• Practice your talking points.
Regardless of the size of your rolodex, in social media each one begins at the same point. To become the belle of the social media ball, it’s main to build your friends and followers.

• Be generous with your praise.
One way to build your presence is to help earlier colleagues and staff. Where appropriate, provide them recommendations on LinkedIn without being asked. Pay it forward without upsetting about whether they will reciprocate.

• Work the crowd.
Get out and meet people in actual life. While social media enables you to stay sequestered behind your laptop, it’s serious to get out and meet people in real life. This way you can strengthen relationships with people you got acquainted by participating in social media.