Job Talk

by Susan K. Maciak, Consultant, www.cameocareer.com

When no one seems to be hiring, how does a job-seeker stay motivated?

The secret lies in setting goals. Before you go to bed each night, set at least three (3) job-seeking goals for the following day. Sample goals include:

1. Post at least one resume on a job-seekers’ site (www.Monster.com, www.careerbuilder.com, www.careeronestop.org. etc.)

2. Talk to at least two human resource managers. You don’t need to wait for an interview to do that. Simply, call companies and ask for  ”informational or career planning” interviews with a human resource manager.  Set a time to stop in talk about future opportunities — even if they’re not hiring now.

3. Drop off, fax or mail at least a dozen resumes. Don’t let a day go by without getting your resume out there.

Take a shower and get dressed for business each and every day. Then, go about reaching your goals. Staying focused and staying busy is the best anecdote for getting discouraged in a tough job market.

For more job-seeking strategies, go back to www.cameocareer.com

by Susan K. Mac iak, Consultant, www.cameocareer.com

Many job-seekers lose an opportunity during the first seven (7) seconds of a job interview. That’s how long it takes to make a first impression–just seven seconds.

If your clothing is too casual, too tight, too revealing or too sloppy,  you won’t have a chance at getting hired–even if you do everything else right. Scraggly hair, chipped or bitten fingernails, poor posture or the wrong shoes can rule anyone out just as quickly.

Immaturity, such as chewing gum, slouching, twitching, texting or answering cell phone calls at job interviews impact job interviewers negatively, as well.

Lack of  enthusiasm, no smile, a weak handshake or lack of eye contact also close doors in a matter of seconds. Mumbling, slurring words, using slang, talking too much — or too little — is just as dangerous.