Posts Tagged ‘job search’
We’ve all had one — an interview that just went wrong for some reason. But sometimes the reason is right in front of us. Check out this list of common interview misfires from Monster.com, and what you can do to avoid them.
1. Too much perfume or cologne. A little might be OK, but too much is simply too much. Better yet, wear none. You never know if your interviewer is scent-sensitive.
2. One-word answers. Few things frustrate an interviewer like one-word responses. Explain your answer, give examples, and help them get to know you.
3. Talking too much. Just as you don’t want to say too little, be careful not to ramble on too much. Answer the question concisely, with good examples as appropriate.
4. Lack of focus. Make sure your answers address the interviewer’s question and don’t get off topic.
5. No eye contact. Always looking down or somewhere else makes you seem uncomfortable or unconfident. Try to look the interviewer in the eye without making it a staring contest.
6. Too much slang. You’re intelligent, but the only way your interviewer can tell is by the way you speak. So try to avoid slang and filler words such as “um” and “like.”
7. Dishonesty. Nothing will kill your chances like not being truthful. Make an effort to be as honest and forthcoming as you can, while convincing them you’re the right person for the job.
Trends for Today’s Job Seekers
Posted on: February 26, 2013
- In: Career Training | everest | Internet | Job Search | Tips & Advice
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The Internet is a great resource for job seekers, with numerous job boards and other tools to make finding the right job easier. But it also means that new trends emerge as job hunters and employers both start using the Internet in different ways. Here are just a few of those trends according to the people at LinkedIn:
Trend: Using LinkedIn for your resume.
A growing number are skipping the traditional resume and referring employers to their LinkedIn profile. It’s convenient, can hold a lot of information, and many see it as trustworthy. But it’s still a good idea to have a copy of your resume that you can print out or email to someone.
Trend: Employers looking for specialized skills.
When jobs are scarce, employers look for people with the exact skills they need. So be sure to highlight your specialized skills to make sure they can find you.
Trend: Reaching out to more people.
The more connections you make, the better your chances are of finding the job you’re after. Reaching out to people in the industry or from your school on places such as LinkedIn and other sites can be a great way to make these connections. So consider sending a friendly note to say “hi” and get your name out there.
Talk to people and find out what they’re doing. By making good use of the tools available to you, you can give yourself a leg up!
7 Tips for a Better Resume
Posted on: February 12, 2013
Many people think that a resumes only job is to tell people where you’ve worked before. But it’s so much more than that. A good resume gets you noticed and makes an employer want to meet you. To help yours stand out in the pile, try to follow these tips:
- Don’t just send a Word document. Sometimes Word files look different on different computers. To make sure yours looks right, try to save it as a PDF file. Look for the “Save as PDF” option when printing.
- Save references for later. Personal references can be helpful, but instead of putting them on your resume, save them for later in the interview process.
- Include important keywords. Sometimes resumes go into a big computer database where managers can search for candidates. So make sure yours contains the words they’ll be looking for.
- Give it a unique look. No need to go crazy, but think about adding color or changing your layout a bit. It helps your resume stand out against the others.
- List your skills. Be sure to list your important skills at the bottom. Are you good with computers? Typing? Special training? Include it!
- List accomplishments, too. Don’t just mention past job duties, but describe what you did. Did you create a new way of working? Win an award? Meet a goal?
- Tell a story. Highlight your strengths and experiences that make you ideal for the job or career you want. And let them shine throughout your resume.
Need help building a strong cover letter and resume? Contact Everest Career Services for assistance, advice and more.
A career fair (also call job fair) is an event where you can talk to recruiters and hiring managers from many different companies at once. Some may be looking to hire right away, and some may not. But it’s a great opportunity to meet professionals and get your name in front of people in your field as part of your job search . Here’s a short list of tips to help you make a good impression.
- 1. Dress nicely. Every employer you talk to is like a mini interview. So dress like you’re going to an interview. It’ll help you look more professional.
- 2. Bring multiple copies of your résumé. You’ll be talking to a lot of people, so make sure you have a stack of copies of your résumé resume ready to hand out.
- 3. Prepare your “elevator pitch.” Your “elevator pitch” is how you sum up your value as an employee in one minute or less. Write it ahead of time and practice it until it flows naturally.
- 4. Arrive early. Plan time to park and get checked in, so you’re ready the minute the event starts.
- 5. Be assertive and enthusiastic. Look them in the eye when you shake hands, and remember to show a positive attitude. This is no place for complainers.
- 6. Keep cool. Don’t let the crowds get to you. Smile, be polite and focus on the benefits of being there.
- 7. Network. Don’t just keep to yourself. Talk with people. Introduce yourself. Visit all the employers’ tables. You might discover something new.
There are some companies that have job fairs scheduled throughout the year. National Career Fairs, for example, runs fairs at over 300 locations. Other organizations, such as LI Works, have an event once or twice a year. Still others, including Women for Hire, focus on a particular audience.
Remember, you might not land a job that day. The goal is to meet people and get your name out there. And it’s great practice for interviews. Good luck!
- In: Career Goals | Career Services | Career Training | College | Degree | Education | everest | Tips & Advice
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The Brookings Institute recently performed a study to find a link between education and unemployment. And they found one. According to their report, cities where more people have a higher education also have more job opportunities.* The reverse was also true; cities with less higher education turned out to have fewer job opportunities.
So what does that mean to you? Education can be the key to a better career and more opportunities. And at Everest, you can pursue a degree in popular fields such as accounting, business, computer information science, criminal justice and paralegal. These are career-focused programs designed to prepare you for jobs in the 21st century economy. Classes are small, instructors are industry professionals and learning is hands on, so you get experience practicing the skills you learn. After graduation, you can get job placement support from Everest’s Career Services professionals.
For more information on associate and bachelor’s degree programs, as well as one-year diploma programs, contact Everest today. Programs and schedules vary by campus.
*Source: Brookings Institute, “Education, Job Openings, and Unemployment in Metropolitan America”
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Your résumé is the first way a potential employer is going to get to know you and what you can do. But when you’re just starting out and don’t have much experience to show, volunteering can be a way to help fill in the gaps. You just need to do it right.
- Make it meaningful. Don’t just say, “Volunteered at the food bank.” Describe how what you did was good experience. For example: “Organized donations and arranged distribution to needy families.”
- Volunteer in your industry. Try to find volunteer opportunities in the field you want to work in, like at blood drives or clinics.
- Describe achievements. Did you raise money? How much? Serve needy families? How many?
- Ask your supervisor. Be sure to ask your volunteer supervisor what title would be most appropriate for you to list on your résumé. He or she may have some helpful ideas.
- Separate it from work experience. Be sure to keep paid jobs under “Work Experience” and volunteering under “Volunteering.” This will help prevent confusion and make your résumé easier to read.
Be sure to check outcareer planning services at Everest, including résumé workshops, formatting help and more.
Job Search: Four Ways to Stand Out
Posted on: May 21, 2012
- In: Interviews | Job Search | Tips & Advice
- 1 Comment
Sometimes it feels hard to stand out in a job search. Here are some great ways to set yourself apart from the pack.
- Do your research. Read up on the industry and the company.
- Volunteer. Look into volunteering — related to your field or just doing good works —and put it on your résumé. Two entry-level applicants and only one has regularly volunteered at a clinic or blood drive…who do you think will get the job?
- Make connections. Volunteering is also a great way to meet people in the industry and make important connections.
- Be positive! Good energy and a positive outlook go a long way in making a good impression.
Did You Know?
Everest placed more than 40,200 of its graduates in jobs related to their fields of study in the 2010 calendar year. This was done with the help of Everest’s Career Services teams, which provide graduates with support such as:
- resume preparation,
- rehearsing effective interviewing techniques, and
- identifying and contacting local employers.
Over the past several years, Everest has developed relationships with employers and employment agencies throughout North America. Focusing on programs in some of the fastest growing fields, Everest is committed to helping its students prepare for and launch careers they will find satisfying and rewarding for years to come.
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