Why Can't I Find a Job

Your Guide on How to Find a Good Job

The Top Ten Job Interview Questions


Even in this tough economy hiring is still happening and a lot of you out there have actually landed the interview of the job that you want and are now looking to prepare for your interview. You need to know the top ten job interview questions and prepare an answer for each of the top ten interview questions below. You are very likely to be asked one or more of these top ten job interview questions.

All job interviews have pretty much the same set of standard job interview questions. Each job interview question type is designed to assess something about you. Here we’ll break down all the different job interview question archetypes and if you read over all these different questions you can prepare and not only have answers for basic job interview questions prepared ahead of time but you’ll also know what the job interview question means.

There are a couple different ways the job interview may go down but for now we’ll work on the top ten job interview questions you’re likely to hear in an interview.

This list will be more than just ten job interview questions because you should really already have answers for all of these questions pre-prepared in your mind before the interview.

Top 10 Job Interview Questions

The standard interview question types:

1) The Let’s Get to Know Each Other interview question(s)

 

The question: “Tell me about yourself.”

Variations include:

Tell me about your background in this field.

Tell me how you ended up here.

Tell me about your background.

Tell me about your education.

The purpose of this interview question:

This is a two purpose question. If it comes at the start of the interview then it breaks the ice and gets the interview started. Secondly, gives the interviewee a chance to share some things about themselves. Keep this light and positive. Give some background about yourself and your education. Don’t go into your personal life or situation. This might be a good time to share your positive experiences with the company you’re interviewing with or even name drop the name of someone who referred you to the company, but again keep it light. You’ll get a chance to share more about yourself as the interview goes on.

2) The Let’s Hear the Good Things about you interview question(s)

 

The question: “Tell me three of your strengths.”

Variations include:

Tell me 3 of your best qualities.

Tell me about a time where you completed a project successfully.

Why should I hire you?

What experiences or education has prepared you for this job?

The purpose of this interview question:

This is your chance to show off a little bit and really highlight your strengths. You should have in mind at least 3 things that are your strengths. Make sure these strengths will be useful for the job you’re interviewing for. Saying that you never got tired doing manual labor doesn’t help you when you’re applying for a desk job. Keep your strengths relevant for the position you’re applying for. Try and give a short example that highlights your strength rather than just saying ‘I Finish my work on time’ and ‘I work well across departments’. Instead say things like ‘I was well known at my previous jobs for always having my projects completed ahead of schedule. So I work ahead of schedule’ and ‘My coworkers have told me in the past that I was very approachable when trying to solve difficult problems that applied to more than just my department. So I work well across departments’. It is ok to call out your strength specifically after your give the example. It makes the interviewers job easier and solidifies that strength in their mind. If they use the more specific ‘Why should I hire you?’ make sure that each of your strengths will apply directly to the job you’re applying for.

3) The Let’s Hear the Bad Things about you question(s)

 

The question: “What is your greatest weakness?”

Variations include:

Tell me something you don’t like about your professional life.

Tell me something you’d like to improve on.

Why shouldn’t I hire you?

The purpose of this interview question:

This question is time for you to address weaknesses you have. Don’t have any weaknesses? Well you’re wrong and that is part of the problem. If you can’t come up with any weaknesses then that is a weakness. You need to be able to show the interviewer that you’re able to recognize places in your professional life that need improvement. The key here though is to call attention to a weakness and then explain to the interviewer what you’re doing to correct this weakness. The solution to your weakness should not be something external. You should be the one taking action on your weaknesses and actively working on your weakness. Also this is not the time to point out a major weakness that the interviewer wouldn’t otherwise know about. Not feeling confident about your sales pitch for a sales position because you’ve been out of the selling game for a couple years, keep that to yourself. This is also a chance to answer unasked questions. Over 50? Have a disability? It’s time to call attention to these and give good reasons why you’re still qualified for the job. Example: “I realize that I am probably older than most of the applicants for this position. But I’ve been working with computers for the last 10 years and have continued my education outside of my previous work to stay on top of all the latest trends in our industry.”

If you get the specific ‘Why shouldn’t I hire you’ question, you should answer with an honest and frank reply of ‘You should hire me. There are areas in which I’ve been working to improve but I believe I am the best person for this job.’ and let them follow up with the what are those weaknesses question. This question is more about confidence. Certainly, don’t give the interviewer a legitimate reason not to hire you. Let them figure that out on their own if they desire to.

4) Do your work well with others question(s)

 

The question: “Tell me about a time where you used your skills to help your team or company.”

Variations include:

Tell me a time where on a team and what were the results.

Do you work best on a team or as an individual?

When have you helped a company you worked for?

The purpose of this interview question:

This question is designed to see if you work well as a team member also. If you’ve never completed a project as a team that could be a red flag that you don’t work well with other. You can really shoot yourself in the foot here but admitting that you ‘prefer to work alone’ or something of that nature. Don’t do this! Even if you are more of a lone wolf you need to say something more HR friendly. Say ‘I have no problem working both as a team member and as an individual. Example. Example. I look forward to working with other members of my team as I feel everyone can make a meaningful contribution.

5) Do you have goals question(s)

 

The question: “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”

Variations include:

Where do you see yourself in the future?

Do you see yourself in this job in [a number] of years?

What are your long range goals?

The purpose of this interview question:

This is a two part question. One, are you planning on sticking around with this company? Two, do you think about the future at all? You want to answer that you still see yourself within the organization that you’re interviewing with. Hiring people costs money to a company. Training costs money to a company. These are additional costs besides just your paycheck and benefits. They want to make sure that you’re planning on sticking around and not bailing at the first opportunity. Also they want to see that you’ve thought about the future at all. If you’re answer is ‘I have no idea’ well that is a problem. You as a potential employee don’t look to the future what does that say about your professional performance as well? That said, If your answer to where you see yourself in 5 years is ‘The CEO of my own company’ then you have future plans, but those plans don’t include you still being at that company so why should they hire you.

6) Are you desperate question(s)

 

The question: “Why do you want to work here?”

Variations include:

The general vibe you’re giving off during the interview [no spoken question]

The purpose of this interview question:

The question is pretty innocent if you let it be. This is another question where you should be ready to answer it because this question can get you in trouble quicker than it will help you land the job. Wrong answers indicate your desperation for the job such as “I really need the money” or “My unemployment is ending soon” or “We could really use a second income”. Basically stay away from anything related to money on this question. Always remember that desperation is off-putting. Keep your sob story to yourself – it won’t land you the job. There is a fine line between earnest and desperate. Always remain confident in yourself. Regardless of the job or position you keep in the back of your mind that you’d be an asset to the company and your abilities and you’ll avoid the desperate vibe.

7) Will you work out here questions

 

The question:  “Have you ever had a conflict with a co-worker and how was it resolved?”

Variations include:

Have you ever had a conflict with your boss and how was it resolved?

Have you ever had a conflict with a professor and how was it resolved?

Tell me about a time where you didn’t meet your goals. Why?

Have you ever been fired from a job before? Why?

Why are you leaving your current job?

The purpose of this interview question:

This question they are just looking for problems in your history and past. Are you going to have those same problems here? If you have a history of unresolved conflict and then leaving a company why would they think your employment at this company be any different. The important part of this question isn’t if you’ve had a conflict with a co-worker (everyone has had a conflict before, so “I never have had problems before” isn’t a good answer either) but what was done to resolve it. You want to make sure that in your resolution that your manager was kept informed of what was going on. You might get points with your co-workers for resolving a problem without your boss knowing but from a company (aka interviewer) standpoint they want to know about all HR issues. That said, in your answer don’t have completely relied on your boss to solve the situation for you. A good answer would be something like “So-and-so and I had an issue regarding X, after trying to resolve it and not finding a good solution, we got with our manager, we kept it informal, and had a short lunch meeting and resolved our issue where everyone was happy.”

8 ) Are you really qualified to work here questions

 

The question: “Tell me about X. Does Y effect Z when A is introduced?”

Variations include:

These questions are generally the ‘written test’ part of your job interview, especially if it is a technical and measurable position. For example if you’re a programmer, be expected to take a short test on the programming language you’re expected to know. If you’re an interviewing for a skilled position like plumber or AC repair man, expect to answer a technical question about a particular model you’re expected to work on.

The purpose of this interview question:

Really not a whole lot to say here. This is the most cut and dry part of the interview. You either know these skills or you don’t. If you score worse than another interviewee, that is a problem and you need to make sure that you get the rest of these questions correct. If you and another interviewee score similar or close and you do better on the other ‘no-right answer’ questions. You’re getting the job. So do well on the skills part of the interview and on the other questions here and you’re golden.

9) How much money do you want questions

 

The question: “Tell me what your desired salary would be for this position?”

Variations include:

What sort of compensation would you be seeking if you took this position?

How much money did you make at your last position. (TRICKY!)

The purpose of this interview question:

These questions can be straight forward or they can be designed to see how little money you’ll take. If you’re getting asked this interview question then congratulations because you’re at least in the running. Now they’re trying to figure out if this job would work for you financially or if you’re too expensive. The one question I hate most and will never answer is the ‘How much did you make at your previous position’. There is no advantage for you to answer that question before they tell you how much they’d like to offer you. If you do answer the question you’re possibly pricing yourself either too high or too low. Likely you already know what salary range is expected from this position when you applied. If they know that before you were making a faction of that they can quote you on the low end of that range and know that it is a raise for you. What you want however is to be paid for what you’re qualified for, and that means making them tell you how much they think you’re worth first. Do not tell them how much you made. If you know what the salary range is for the position you’re applying for tell them that you know what the position is expected to pay and that you’d be willing to negotiate a figure within that range that is acceptable for both you and the company.

10) Do you have any questions question

 

The question: “Do you have any questions?”

Variations include:

Is there anything you’d like to ask us about?

The purpose of this interview question:

Are you brain-dead? Can you form a logical question? The whole point of this question is to see if you’ve been paying attention. Go ahead and have a question in mind at the beginning of the interview for this eventual question. You should have read some material about the company ahead of your interview, now is a good time to ask them a little bit about the company. “How is the traffic in the morning?” “How are the desks arranged?” “How many other people would be on my team?” You want these questions to be crafted in a manner that they start to see you as part of the company. Questions should make you seem informed and curious.

That’s it guys I might come back and add a few more questions later depending on the response we get from these articles but that is it for now.

We love your feedback!

Suprising Reasons Behind What Motivates Us in the Workplace

This is quite honestly the most entertaining and most engaging way I’ve ever seen this information presented before.

Cliff notes for those of you who can’t watch the video.

For tasks that require physical acts and actions – monetary rewards (money, bonuses) work great as a motivator.

For tasks that require mental tasks or performance – monetary rewards actually HURT performance.

This has been tested and found true in study after study.

The three main things that motivate people in the workplace assuming that they are being paid enough to be comfortable (an important requirement!).

Employees want Autonomy – they want to have control over their work and decide for themselves how to accomplish goals and meet expectations.

If you’ve ever had (or have) a micro-managing boss you know what this video is talking about first hand. If you take away autonomy you take away an employee’s control over their own lives (real or not – it’s how it FEELS).

Employees want Engagement – they want to believe in the product they produce or support or sale.

Very few things are more soul sucking than being on a performance based sales team when you have absolutely no confidence in the product you’re selling. Every sale feels like a lie and that you’ve sold another part of yourself for what? Same goes for producing another meaningless product you don’t feel any attachment too. Workers want PRIDE.

Employees want Mastery – they want to feel good about their performance and believe they are an expert in their field or niche.

Why do people play instruments in their spare time? They like to master a skill. Why do people contribute to open source code projects? They want to further their mastery in their craft.

Anyways… now book mark this and come back to it when you can. The video itself is worth watching for the animations alone!

How to Get a Better Job by eHow

How to Get a Better Job

You might be wondering why I would include this 6 step eHow article in addition to the steps to a better job that I’ve created.

Well, for a couple reasons:

1) I want you to get a better job – that’s the goal here. If you get there using all 17 of my steps – great! But if this article gets you there faster even better!

2) I think this article covers the basics that everyone should already pretty much know and I know that they guide to a better job that I am releasing is more comprehensive and has better tips. Not because this eHow article is poorly written, but because it is only a couple hundred words and so can’t go into the detail that I’ll be going into.

So here we go: How to get a Better Job!

#1 Evaluate your needs.

Are you looking for a new job or a new career? Depending on where you are in your life, you may not need the career of your dreams–a job to pay the bills will do. Others may be looking for long-term, more satisfying work.

Assess what you want–a job or career. Next, you should acknowledge if you know what you want to do with yourself or not. Many people say they want a better job, but aren’t sure what field they want to go into. Others are already in the industry they prefer, but can’t seem to find a good job. Figure out what you want first and use career assessment tools to help you identify your skill set.

You may find that you need to go back to school in order to get a better job. Make sure that the degree you look into will actually help. While getting a Master’s, for example, is a great idea for many people, some jobs may not require it.

#2 Get your resume together.

Two things sell you to a company: your resume and your personality during the interview. To initiate even getting booked for an interview, you’ll need a strong resume. Visit my article on writing a better resume. If you have the money, invest in a company to write a fresh resume for you. Include a cover letter that highlights your skills and explains what you’d like to do.

#3 Look above and beyond.

I always encourage job seekers to use multiple mediums. If you’ve always used the newspaper, try the Internet. If you’re technically savvy and relying on sites like Monster.com to get you the gig, expand your horizons.how to get a better job

Most people report that the best way to get a job they want is to instead research individual companies and then approach the company with their credentials.

Take advantage of the new year and blast your resume out. Some companies may not be hiring right away, but you just never know how far sending a resume can take you. It may fall into the right hands at the right time–this is usually the case.

#4 Expand your horizons.

Open your mind one step further and don’t rely on job ads. Most jobs may not be posted, and some aren’t open yet. Your resume could arrive at the perfect time if you approach companies instead of job ads. Don’t get me wrong, job ads are great, but you can’t rely on them.

Another great idea is to apply for that job that you don’t think you can get. Of course if you are entry level and you’d like to be an executive, you’re probably going to have to pay your dues. But if you have plenty of industry experience and the job requires a degree, apply anyway. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot–you have nothing to lose.

Have a friend or family member who may be able to open up an opp for you? Use them! Ask for help!

#5 Ace the interview.

Practice your interview skills with a friend or family member if you haven’t been out on the interview scene in a while. There are a plethora of resources–free of charge. Your library has useful books and the Internet is a trove of information.

One tip I always use is to pretend that I’m interviewing the interviewer. It takes a little bit of the edge off. I also come prepared with answers to questions like, “How do you explain the gap on your resume?” and “What is your greatest weakness?”

#6 Finally, give yourself time.

Finding a great job or career takes time for the right doors to open up. You want to make sure you enjoy the job, so you’ll want to be a little selective, too. That’s why covering all your bases–using multiple mediums, putting your resume out to jobs that may be a little out of your league, preparing for interviews, and using interviews as practice–is smart. When the right job comes along, you’ll be confident that it’s the one for you.

Read more: How to Get a Better Job | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2152608_better-job.html .

Also be sure to check out the rest of the site on how to get a better job!

How to Act at a New Job

How to Act at a New Job

CONGRATULATIONS! You’ve landed that new job we hope with our help you’ve found a good job!

If you’ve gotten to this point, the congratulations! You’re now employed, but that doesn’t mean you’re done. A lot of people will stop trying at this point and just settle into their new job. Even if you’ve already been hired, you want to impress your boss and separate yourself from the competition.

  • Make a good first impression

Though you’ve probably already met your boss and a few people from the company, there will still be a lot of people at your new workplace that you’ve never met before. First impressions are very important. When you walk in, greet everybody kindly, and be nice. Don’t annoy people when they’re trying to work, but try to strike up a few conversations here and there during non busy times. If your boss isn’t too busy, go in and thank him for the job and the opportunity.

  • Overdress

For the first few weeks of any job, you should overdress. Now that doesn’t mean wearing a suit every day, but you should definitely make an effort to look nice for the first few weeks. how to act at a new jobThen, once you’re known in the office and have settled in a bit, you can adopt whatever dress policy the company has. Dressing professionally will make you look like a professional, driven person in the eyes of your boss, which will surely give you a foot-up in any promotion considerations. Plus, in your first few weeks of a job, you’ll not only be meeting your coworkers, but also many of the upper management people. You need to convince everybody in your workplace, whether they’re above or below you, that you’re professional and a good worker.

  • Treat your first few weeks as a trial period

During the first few weeks of your new job, nobody will get mad at you for asking questions. After all, you’re new, and don’t know everything about the job yet. Ask all the questions you have about the job, but don’t bother people. Generally, the HR person is the best to ask, as that’s basically their job. If your company doesn’t have a PR person, ask your boss or a coworker you’re friendly with. If you wait too long to ask these questions, you will bother people. You should do most of the research you need in the first few weeks.

  • Be confident, but not arrogant

Confidence is good in the boss’s eyes, but often not in the coworkers’ eyes. After all, you’re the new kid in town, and people will be feeling you out to see if you’re a cool guy or not. Be confident, but don’t act like you’re better than everyone else. Be humble and friendly to everybody, regardless of their position in the company. While you want to move up in the company, you don’t want to threaten other people’s jobs, or you’ll be making enemies very fast. Get the message across to everyone that you’re a valuable asset to the company, but not an a-hole!

The wrap up on how to act at a new job!

Getting a job today is far from easy. The knowing how to act at a new job withing having actually been with the company and culture makes it worse! With the economy in the toilet and unemployment rates higher than they’ve been in years, you have to do all you can do to separate yourself from the competition. Overall, be professional, timely, and friendly, regardless of who you’re talking to. Dress nicely, build relationships with people in the company you want to work for, and convince your potential boss that you’d be a valuable asset to his company.

Confidence is absolutely essential to getting a good job. Whether you’re talking to a job recruiter or a potential employer, be confident and professional, even if you’re not necessary a professional or confident person in general. Attitude is equally important as qualifications, and you should always practice what you’re going to say in an interview. Don’t write a script for yourself, but be sure to prepare at least a bit and think of your answers to some typical questions that interviewers ask.

Remember the pressure is off. Enjoy your job!

Thanks for listening and I hope you learned how to act at a new job.

Nailing the Job Interview and Considering Offers

Nail the interview

While nailing an interview is easier said than done, you should really focus and prepare yourself for your interviews. You can have amazing credentials and education, and still not get a job if you don’t do well during the interview. On the other hand, you can have mediocre education and still get the job if you do well on the interview. So, practice, prepare, and keep in mind the tips below.

  • Do some research

Thanks to the Internet, finding information about how to nail an interview is not all that hard. There are tons of articles out there that teach just that – how to prepare for and do well in an interview. Do some quick research and select a few articles to read. You don’t have to follow them step by step, but take note of some of the hints in the articles, and follow them.

  • Overdress to impress

Nobody, no matter what the job is, is going to complain about you dressing up for an interview. Even if you know for a fact that the company you’re applying to has a casual dress policy, you should still wear a nice dress shirt and slacks, or even a suit. You don’t have to spend a fortune on nice clothes – just get a nice long-sleeve button up dress shirt and a nice pair of dark slacks. Or, if you already own a suit, you can wear that.

  • Be timely

If you don’t show up to your interview on time, your potential employer will assume that you won’t show up to work on time, so they probably won’t give you a job. Try to be early for your interview if possible, but not too early. Shoot for about 10-15 minutes early. If you have to, just wait in the parking lot until about 10 minutes before the interview, then go in and wait in the lobby till you’re called. Whatever you do, DON’T be late.

  • Relax and be confident

Do whatever you need to do before hand to relax yourself (within reason!). Go in confident and relaxed, and remember, you’re just talking to another person. It’s intimidating, sure, but the more nervous you are the worse you’ll do in the interview. When you walk in, you should be confident, but not arrogant. Answer questions truthfully, and remember that “I don’t know” is an acceptable answer – just be sure to follow it up with some explanation as to how you would find the answer to the question presented to you.

We’ve really gone into a lot more detail over here with our Top 10 interview questions and what they mean.

Definitely check that out!

Consider the offer

If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! Listen to what your potential employer has to say, and consider his offer. Even if the offer seems low, remember what you went through to get this job, and remember the possibility of raises/promotions.

  • Consider what you’re offered

If you feel like the offer you’re given is too low, remember that most of the time they will be willing to negotiate, but it’s unlikely that the offer will go up by more than 10%. If even a 10% increase doesn’t seem like enough to you, you can ask for the number you want – just remember that that could mean an answer of “no”, then you’d be left on your own, jobless.

  • Consider the benefits

Remember back to step 3. A job is not all about the money. Sure, salary is a large benefit of a job, but consider what else the company has to offer you – health/dental insurance, time off, paid leave, etc. and take all that into consideration before you make a decision. Also consider the environment you’ll be working in, and think about whether you’d be happy working there or not. If you would be, then I would take the job, regardless of the salary. You can always move on later if the money isn’t enough, or you could be promoted.

  • Compromise

Nobody likes working for less than they think they’re worth, and no boss likes paying someone too much. So, you’re going to have to compromise. And I’m not just talking about money – you might have to negotiate your sick leave, holidays, benefits, etc. The ultimate goal is to find a number that both you and your employer like. When you find that number, you can accept the job and everyone will be happy.

Use Social Networks for Jobs and References

Use social networking sites

Social networking is primarily used for friends and wasting time, but when you’re looking for a job, it can prove a very valuable tool. Social networking sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter can really help you find information, jobs, and references, IF you use them right.

  • Seek advice from people with the job you want

Use social sites to find people who are currently working in the types of jobs you want. Ask them for advice, and talk to them regularly. Don’t bother them, and if they seem annoyed by your questions, then apologize and move on.

  • Be professional

Facebook and Twitter are not exactly known as professional places. However, when it comes to looking for a job or references, professionalism is vital. Approach everyone with respect and be professional at all times – that means no posting about how hung-over you are!

  • Engage your contacts

When random people contact me on Facebook, I usually ignore them. You need to engage your contacts and ask them questions in order to ensure that they’re actually listening to you. DO NOT simply contact them asking for a job or a reference. Start with some friendly conversation first, and ask any questions you have about the job.

  • Build a relationship, then talk business

It’s important to build a relationship with the people you’re talking to before you talk about business. Talk to them over 2 or 3 weeks, and then, when you feel like they know you well enough; ask for a job or a reference. If you just come out straight in the beginning and ask for a job or reference, it’s very unlikely that they’ll even respond, let alone hire you. This is why building a personal relationship with the individual is important.

  • Even if you don’t get the job, remain professional and stay in contact

Even if you don’t get hired for the job you’re going after, remain in contact with the individual who you were talking to. This connection will keep you in the loop, and may give you opportunities to apply for jobs that aren’t even posted yet. It’s also important to remain professional. A lot of people overreact when they don’t get hired, and blow a gasket. DON’T do this. Remain friendly and professional, and inform the individual that you’re still searching for employment, and that you’d appreciate any information they could give you.

Find people in your field for references

References are very important when you’re looking for a job. Even if you have good education, without good references it’s doubtful that you’ll be considered for a job. Finding good references is hard, but it’s getting easier with the technology available to us today. If you can, it’s very good if you can find someone you know in the company you’re applying for. If that’s not possible, try to find a reference from someone in the same field.

  • Use social networking

Social media is a great tool to use when you’re looking for references. Sites like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook are perfect for finding references and old friends. LinkedIn is perfect because it is very company-based. You can also contact friends and family, and see if they know anyone.

  • Friends and family

Friends and family members should be your first choice when looking for references. This is because they love you and have an interest in seeing you succeed, unlike some random person you found on Facebook that you probably haven’t talked to in 10 years. If your friends and family are unable to help you, then move on and use social media or other means of finding references.

Using a Recruiter for your Job Search

Using a recruiter in your Job Search

Job recruiters are people who get others jobs for a living. They work directly with companies, large and small, and are basically agents for common people. They work on a commission basis, but their connections and expertise are often worth the price. If you’re having trouble finding a job, or you want a better job, consider working directly with a recruiter.

  • Recruiters work with a lot of people

If you do decide to work with a recruiter, you should know that they see 1000’s of jobs and 1000’s of resumes. While they do help you to get a job, they’re not going to work super hard if all you do is give them your resume. So, make yourself known to them. Call them up, or go into their office if they have one. Explain your skills, and tell them what kind of jobs you want, and they’ll help you out. Don’t bug them too much, but make sure you’re in contact with them and they know your face/personality.

  • Be honest, but positive

When you explain your skills and attributes, be honest. Don’t exaggerate your skills or lie about your education, but also don’t sell yourself short. Recruiters are the initial filter between you and a job, and if you don’t even impress the recruiter, there’s no way you’ll get an interview, let alone get a job. You have to convince the recruiter that you can do the job, and that you can do it well – better than their other clients. Treat your conversations with a recruiter like you would an interview – because it basically is.

  • There are some downsides…

Job recruiters can help a lot in your job search, but there are a few drawbacks. The main one is that recruiters charge commission when they find you a job. This means that if 2 people (1 being you) with similar skills and work experience apply for the same job, and your opponent doesn’t use a recruiter, the company will be more likely to hire your opponent than you, as they won’t have to pay the recruiter’s commission.  The other downside is that using a recruiter is less personal than working with companies directly.

  • More jobs, more connections

When you use a recruiter, you will be gaining a valuable connection. Job recruiters work one-on-one with hundreds of companies, large and small. They know what’s going on in the job market at all times, and they can get you jobs that you wouldn’t ordinarily know about. Some companies choose to avoid sites like Monster.com, and instead just use private job recruiters. So if you only use Monster or a similar resource, you might be missing jobs that you’re perfect for.

Now…. with all that said……

  • Cut out the middle man, if possible

Since recruiters do charge pretty sizable commission fees, many people choose to cut out the middle man so to speak. To do this, do some research online and find a job on the recruiter’s website, or even on Monster/JustHired/etc. and then find out what company it’s for. Then, apply directly to the companies HR department. You can also Google the exact job description (if the providing company is not listed) and you’ll probably find the job offering on a company website.

Step 9-

Knowing what the  position requires

When you are looking for jobs, it’s vital to know what a position requires. You can apply to all the jobs you want, and you might even get some interviews, but if you’re not qualified to do the job, you won’t be able to get the job, or at least survive very long if you actually do get hired. Knowing what a position requires should be part of parts 2, 3, and 4. You should think carefully about the requirements of the job even before you apply. Otherwise you’re just wasting time.

  • Really read the job description

When you’re browsing for jobs, you should really pay attention to the job description. We’re all guilty of browsing through stuff, just looking for bullet points. However, when it comes to job descriptions, you should really read what you’re looking at. If you’re not qualified for something, there’s no point applying. Read the job responsibilities, and see if you’d be physically and mentally able to do the tasks. Also, look at the requirements they’ve lined out (education level, work experience, etc.) In an economy like this, companies don’t have much wiggle room when it comes to requirements, so like I said, there’s no reason to apply for something you won’t have a chance of getting.

  • Call and ask a question if you’re confused

Often times job descriptions, especially those on Monster.com and similar sites, are very brief and sometimes confusing. If you’re confused about something, call the company and ask a question. You won’t do any harm by asking a simple question. In fact, showing some initiative like that might actually help you to get the job. When you contact the company, be sure to say your name clearly, so if they have your resume, they will know to look it over.

Step 10-

Tailor your resume for the job you want

A good resume is absolutely essential to getting a job. These days, so many people are unemployed that the job market is very competitive. If you’re behind in one area, such as your resume, then you won’t have much chances of getting a job. Resumes should be specific, professional, and in the correct format. If you don’t know how to write a resume, do some research online, or, if you must, hire someone to write it for you.

  • Avoid generic resumes

Most people simply slap together a resume when they decide to look for a job. While resumes are supposed to be in a very specific format, that doesn’t mean they have to be generic. Generic resumes are a dime a dozen. Recruiters see hundreds, even thousands of them each day. And even if you’re not working with a private recruiter, a boring resume will not do you much good when it comes to getting a good job.

  • Shock the recruiter

Whether you’re working with a private recruiter or directly with a company, you need to shock whoever is reading your resume by highlighting exactly what makes you perfect for the job offered. You should list specific skills that are relevant to the job at hand, and avoid general statements.

  • Target specific jobs

Recruiters deal with thousands of job seekers, and their job is to select the best person for the companies they are working with. What recruiters want is specific people looking for specific jobs. A lot of people design their resumes in a way that makes them look like they’re just looking for any job. You should target your resume to very specific job types, and if necessary, make multiple resumes if you’re applying for different types of jobs. The more specific information you have on your resume, the easier it is for a company to picture you in the position they are offering. Plus, it’s easier for recruiters to submit your resume to the right people and find you the right kind of jobs.

  • Reflect your training/schooling on your resume

Though some companies offer training, most prefer people who are already trained. Your resume should reflect this. List any relevant training you’ve had, even if it’s not official (i.e. if you’re apply for a mechanic position, list any work you’ve done on cars – even if it’s just work on your own car). Official training program certifications, degrees, etc. are obviously better, but any experience is a good thing to have on a resume.

Step 11-

Send your resume to an individual

Getting a job should be a very personal process. With sites like Monster.com, it’s hard to actually interact with people. Especially if you’re a “people person”, talking directly to someone in the company can do a lot for your chances of getting a job. So, if it’s at all possible, try to send your resume to an individual within the company you’re applying to, or the staffing agency you’re using.

  • Follow up with a phone call

After you’ve sent your resume in, you should follow up with a phone call. Don’t harass or annoy, but call at least once. Give it a few days, though – don’t call immediately. Drop off/send in your resume, then call in after 2 or 3 days. Try to find the number of the person who will be reviewing your application, instead of just calling the company’s main number. This phone call is especially important if you are using a staffing agency.

  • Contact the company on specific days of the week

Generally speaking, contacting a company in the middle of the week is a good idea. Mondays are bad because everyone’s in a bad mood, and on Fridays, everyone has their mind on the weekend. So, when you send your email or call in, do it on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Thursdays work too, but just avoid Mondays and Fridays. Historically, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the most productive days for most companies, and they are the days that the most emails are open.

Where to Find the Job that you Want

Now we’re working into the meat of our job search. The real deal on how to find a better job.

There are literally hundreds of ways to look for jobs, but only a handful that are worth your time. If you’re fed up with your job (or unemployed), then you’re probably interested in some resources to help you find work. If you’re looking for work, check out the number of resources listed below.

  • State Department of Labor

Your state’s Department of Labor is a HUGE resource. This is mainly because smaller companies can’t afford Monster.com’s prices, so they don’t post jobs on Monster and similar online sites. However, posting a job through the Department of Labor is either free or very affordable, so almost every company that is hiring will go through the Labor Department. You can check out your state’s Department of Labor website, or go to the office if you know where it is.

  • Monster.com

Monster.com is one of the many online job sites on the Internet today. While it’s not necessarily the best, it’s one of the biggest. Monster allows you to search for jobs by location, keywords, job titles, or even skills that you have. There are usually tons of jobs listed on Monster, but that depends on your location. Apart from job listings, Monster also has lots of tips and tricks to help you find work, including resume writing techniques, interview strategies, etc. Monster.com is free to use for job seekers, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for a job.

  • JobFox.com

JobFox.com is a competitor of Monster.com. It’s not as well known or quite as big, but it’s still a valuable resource. Unlike Monster, JobFox requires you to fill out a brief profile. They use the results of your questions to search for jobs you’re actually qualified for. This saves time, but is somewhat limiting. There are thousands of jobs listed on JobFox.com at any time, so it’s definitely worth checking out as well.

  • JustHired.com

JustHired.com is another competitor in the online job market. It’s pretty large, and has quite a few jobs listed at any given time. JustHired allows you to search for jobs by keyword, location, skills required, etc. and it also allows you to post your resume, so that potential employees can contact you. JustHired has helped hundreds of thousands of people find jobs, and you could be next!

  • Individual company websites

If you know what companies you want to work for, you can easily see if they’re hiring by going to their website. These days, pretty much every business has a website, even smaller local ones. There are several advantages to going directly to companies instead of using Monster. Companies prefer this because they have to pay Monster.com a commission if they find an employee. If you go directly to the website, they’ll be more likely to hire you because they don’t have to pay a 3rd-party in order to hire you.

  • Craigslist

It seems like you can find anything on Craigslist, even jobs. If you’re looking for a job in your area, check out your local Craigslist page. Craigslist only has a fraction of the jobs that something like Monster or JustHired offers, but still it’s a valuable resource for local jobs.

  • Friends

Friends are excellent sources for finding work. Don’t bug everyone you know constantly about finding a job for you. After all, if you’re unemployed, finding work IS your job. But let your friends know that you’re looking for work, and ask them nicely to keep an eye out for you. Often times if they’re pretty well connected at their current job they might be able to get you a job at their company. If not, they can just provide an extra pair of eyes and look out for jobs for you. Again, don’t bug your friends to death, or you won’t have any in a few months!

  • Family

Family is also a good source. Same deal as friends – they can provide references, help you look for jobs, or put in a good word for you at their workplace. You can bug your family a little more than you can your friends, but don’t drive them away!

Get the Education or Certifications you Need for a Good Job

Continuing our Series on how to get a good job.

Step 4-

Get the Education or Certifications you Need

Especially in today’s economy, jobs don’t come easy. And in a time when it’s hard to find even entry level work, it’s nearly impossible to get a good job without some kind of degree or certification. I’m not saying you need to go back to school and get a masters degree or anything, but you need to research and find out what kind of degrees or certifications you will need in order to get a good job, in the field you want to work in.

  • Consider online degrees

In an increasingly digital world, it’s no surprise that online colleges have become very popular. Today, you can literally get a degree without leaving your house. Online colleges are very convenient, and since they have very little overhead/expenses, they are also significantly cheaper than traditional colleges. And, you can usually work at your own pace. Going to college is a very rewarding experience, but many people simply can’t afford it. If you’re in this boat, then consider one of the many online colleges available today. There are probably more than 100 choices, but some of the best I have found are Kaplan University, Everest University Online, and University of Phoenix Online. Degrees from online colleges are worth a lot in the job market, but often not quite as much as traditional degrees. For example if you and another person with similar qualifications apply for a job, and the only real difference is that you have an online degree and he/she has a traditional degree, your opponent will probably get the job, but that all depends on the employer and how well you do in the interview.

  • Online courses are a viable option

Even online, getting a full degree can take quite a while. If you don’t have the time or money to put into an online degree, then you can take some online courses that specifically match the job you’re applying for. For example, if you want an engineering job, you could take a few engineering courses, either online or off, and you’d be more likely to get the job. Of course an actual degree is better, but employers also look at individual courses. You can take individual courses at all the colleges listed above, as well as at DeVry University, and many other online colleges.

  • Remember online certifications are available

If you’re already somewhat of an expert in your desired field, or even if you’re not, you can often get a certification online that will tell employers that you have skill in their field. Some certifications consist just of a test, and the results of your test will tell whether or not you’re certified as a professional. Other online certifications require a class to be taken, and then there’s usually a final exam. Either way, certifications can do a lot for you when you’re applying for jobs. They’re not generally as powerful as actual degrees, but they’re much easier to get, and much, much cheaper.

  • Online research and do-it-yourself training

While you can’t really get certified for research you’ve done or training you’ve taken on your own, you can learn a significant amount about your job and its responsibilities by doing some research online. Say you’re going to apply for a carpentry position. Do some online research about common household repairs, floor installations, etc. If you can find some, look for online training programs that are free or very affordable. Alternatively, buy a “____ For Dummies” book or something similar. With the knowledge you gain from your research or training, you can easily impress your potential boss and increase the odds of getting a better job.

  • Read blogs in your work field

Employers want employees that are not only good at what they do, but also interested in it. If you show some initiative by reading blogs or websites in your niche, your potential employer will be impressed. Plus, blogs are free resources, and you can learn quite a bit from them. Usually the information is presented in a fun, easy-to-read way, so you won’t be bored to death like you might be reading some more technical material.

Step 5-

How to get the experience you need for the job you want.


Especially in today’s economy, degrees and education aren’t enough. If you want a good job, you need to have work experience. And not just any work experience – you need to have things on your resume that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. If you’ve already got plenty of work experience, then great – apply for the job. If not, check out the options listed below.

  • Volunteer work

If you have lots of volunteer work on your resume, your future employers will like it and consider you for the job you want. You don’t have to dedicate hundreds of hours to it or anything, but volunteer work is definitely a good idea. If you already have a job, try to volunteer directly after work. That way, when you do get home, you’re done and can just relax. If you can, volunteer at the company you’re applying to. If not, find something in the same field and with a similar responsibility.

  • Internships

Internships are a step up from regular volunteer work. For those who don’t know, internships allow you to work directly in a real work environment. Some internships are paid, but most are unpaid. Either way, an internship or 2 on your resume can work wonders. Look for local businesses that do things similar to the employer you want to work for. Then, go in and see if they have internships available. Even if they don’t advertise it, most businesses will be happy to take on an intern. If the internship is paid, then work as much as you can. If it’s unpaid, work hard, but don’t dedicate too much time to it. After all, you’re an adult and you need money in order to survive, so don’t work full-time at an unpaid internship.

  • Online job sites

Most people have never even heard of sites like oDesk and eLance, but they are your friends. Sites like this allow you to take on work on a freelance basis. With sites like this, you can earn money, experience, and good things for your resume. Sites like oDesk and eLance usually offer tech-related jobs such as programming, writing, design, etc. However, you can usually find something related to your wanted field on these sites. And, unlike internships, you’ll get paid for your work. Also, freelance jobs are great because you can work at your own pace, when and where you want to.

  • Craigslist

Most people know what Craigslist is, but few have checked out all it has to offer. Other than for sale and personal ads, Craigslist also has job offerings. Check out what’s available in your area. Sometimes they will be freelance jobs that you can do remotely (from your home), and sometimes they will be internships or similar options. Especially if you live in a highly populated area, Craigslist is an excellent resource for finding work and building your resume.

Step 6-

Don’t neglect your current job while searching for another!

A lot of people get overly excited when looking for a new job and either quit or slack off enough that they’re fired from their old job. This is a very bad idea. In today’s economy, there’s no guarantee that you’ll find work, so if you have a job, do everything you can to keep it.

  • You still have to eat!

Looking for a new job can be exciting, but believe it or not, you still have to eat during this time. And there’s no “grace period” during your job search, so you’ll still have to pay those annoying bills. Because of this, you should do all you can to not get fired. Basically this means don’t slack off. Continue working hard (at least while the boss is looking), and don’t slack on any projects or important responsibilities. If you do this, you can keep your old job and keep the money flowing in while you search for better employment. When you do find a job, you can have fun walking in to your boss’s office and quitting.

  • Work reputation and relationships stay with you forever

If you slack off and are a bad employee at your old work, chances are that information will get to your new potential boss. But if you continue to work hard, and be friendly to your boss and coworkers, you will have no problem getting positive references from your employers and coworkers. So don’t cause a scene, even if you’re quitting. If you do have to quit, talk to your boss and keep it clean and friendly. At the end, ask if he/she would mind being a reference for you. If you were actually nice to them and a decent employee, they’ll have no reason to say no. If you were a douche and caused a huge scene when quitting, then you’re boss will probably laugh in your face if you ask for a reference.

  • Employers look at past jobs

Even if you don’t put your old jobs on your resume, most of the time employers will still contact your past bosses and inquire about you. This goes hand in hand with the tip above. Don’t cause any scenes, and be a good employee at all your jobs, and you’ll have no trouble getting references and finding a good job.

  • Stress effects productivity

If you slack off at your old job, you’ll probably fall behind on projects and deadlines. If this happens, you will be stressed out and overwhelmed. When people get to this stage where they’re stressed, their productivity is severely affected. And your mood effects everything, including job searches. If you have low productivity and are moody all the time, you’ll have trouble getting interviews, and even when you do, you probably won’t do very well.

<<- Previous Posts   ——————–  Continue reading ->>

Comprehensive Guide on How to Find a Good Job

So you’ve recently graduated or perhaps you’ve not so recently graduated and now you’re either looking for a job or you’re in a job that is going nowhere.

How do you get out of this situation and find a good job?

Does it seem like everyone else is moving up in their career but you?

How do you get out of this dead-end job into the type of job you want – a job that you can enjoy, and perhaps more importantly, a job that PAYS?

Let’s go over some basics first.

Who am I?

My name is James and I graduated from College in May ’07. When I graduated I had a 2.5 GPA and no job prospects. I panicked when I realized that I would soon be out of school and out of a job. I had never had a job before and didn’t even have an unpaid internship on my resume. I was in bad shape, and knew, especially in an economy like this, that finding a quality job would be damn near impossible.

As I expected, I fell into an entry level phone support tech job, answering the phone all day. This job was going nowhere. I hated it with a passion, and the pay was barely enough to scrape by. I felt like I needed to take out a loan just to take a girl out on a date or go to a movie. I decided this was no way to live, so I decided to make some changes.

Using the steps below I turned that level one support job into an IT Director position at a company with 150 employees.

Am I really that smart? No.

Am I special in some way? No.

Did my education prepare me for this job? No.

Is this something anyone can do? Yes.

Is this something you get for nothing? Absolutely not, but it isn’t rocket science either. Anyone can do these things and get a better job.

Do I expect you to be overly impressed about my title and position? No, but it is a hell of a lot better than my dead-end job and it pays a hell of a lot better too!

There are people I know that 2 years later are still working at that level one tech support job. I’ve even seen people work at the same place for 10, 20, even 30 years, with barely any pay raises or promotions. They are still there answering the phone 8 hours a day and getting an earful from customers that don’t care about them at all. Why are they still there and I am not? What is the difference between me and the people that are still there, still working at a job that isn’t going anywhere?

The only difference between them and me is MINDSET.


They are HOPING for things to get better rather than MAKING things better for themselves. Stop HOPING and start MAKING. You can’t expect jobs to fall into your lap, nor can you expect easy promotions. Especially considering the economy we are in today, there’s almost always someone more qualified than you, smarter than you, etc. who wants your job, or wants a promotion from the same company. Today, more than ever, you have to WORK for your success.

In this Blog I am going to lay it out for you….

Step 1-

Stop thinking your current job will improve on its own.

If you’re not motivated by something more your bosses and managers will be perfectly happy to keep you exactly where you are. It isn’t their job to get you that next job or promotion. It IS their job to get is much work out of you for as little compensation as possible. Promotions, if any are even offered, will go to the hardest working, best qualified people. Even if you are the hardest working, there’s no guarantee that you’ll get a promotion, even after working for 5, 10, even 20 years. You might get small cost-of-living raises, but nothing serious.

This is a short one but a serious one. Take some time and let that sink in.

Step 2 -

Stop and think about your current job.

  • Where is this job taking you?
  • Do you want to be doing this job a year from now?
  • Two years from now?
  • Five years from now?
  • Think about how you’re living.
  • Think about where you’re living.
  • Think about who you’re living with or who you hope to be living with.
  • Think about anyone who is or will be relying on you for support – including spouses, children, or aging parents.

Consider what you want to do with your life, and not just how you want to make money. Is your dream to travel? If so, it’s doubtful that a low-level job would allow for that.

How is this job benefiting you? Think beyond a paycheck here. Think beyond benefits. You spend 8 hours a day at this job, maybe even more. Your job is a huge part of your life and of your happiness. Does your job give you fulfillment? Considering you’re reading this right now, I doubt it!

What is this job doing for your resume? Take a scrap sheet of paper and jot down all the things you’d put on your resume from this current job position. Does it add up to much? If you’re working in a dead-end job, you’re probably doing pretty monotonous, easy stuff that really wouldn’t look that impressive on a resume. You need to start planning for your future NOW, and building a good resume is a substantial part of your future success.

Step 3 -

What Job Do You Really Want?

This is a tougher question than it sounds, and not knowing the answer to this question is probably what landed you here in the first place. If you’re lucky enough you’ve probably been in the workplace now and have seen various job titles at work, maybe even the one that you want. Think things through carefully. Lots of people make rash decisions, and choose the job that sounds good to them now, without thinking what they’ll like in 5 or 10 years. For instance, pretty much every teenage boy out there has dreamed at some point of being a video game tester, developer, etc. But do you think you’ll have the same passion for video games in 5 years? What about 10? Or 20? I doubt it.

Think beyond the paycheck:

  • You can’t ever get to where you want to be, if you don’t know where/what that is.

Having clear goals is vital to success. You need to set your goals NOW, while you’re still young (presumably) and have time to reach them. Think realistically, but also don’t limit yourself. For example, it would be unrealistic to say “I want to be making a six figures within 5 years”, but it’s wouldn’t be a bad goal to aim for 6 figures/year eventually. It’s important to set several goals, not just 1 big one. When you achieve a goal, it’s a huge morale booster, so having smaller, more achievable ideals will help in the long run.

  • Money isn’t everything.

Money should only be part of the equation for your job. Money is nice. Money makes a lot of things easier but as the saying goes, it won’t make you happy. You could be making six figures in a job that you hate, and pretty much hate your life. Even though you’re making good money, if you hate your job, you will never really be happy.

  • Work/Life Balance is important

If you’re working 80-120 hours a week you might be making a lot of money but you won’t have any energy or time to do anything with it. Your personal relationships will suffer and you’ll be killing anything that resembles a social life. If you’re hoping to meet that special someone, forget it, there won’t be time. Forgetting your social life for a second – you won’t have time to pursue any interests outside of your current job and title. If you’re going to put this much time in at least know what you’re getting yourself into. Sometimes working like a mule for several years can pay off in the long run, as usually when you’re promoted to a better position you’ll get less hours, or at least have more flexibility. But then again, there’s no guarantee that you’ll get promoted, so don’t dedicate your whole life to your job.

  • Benefits can make up a lot of ground

I think this is probably an undervalued part of any job. Most of us just look at the check we get at the end of the pay period and ignore our benefits until we need them. Depending on your health and if you’re expecting to start a family soon you REALLY need to take this into consideration. A job that pays 65k a year with a good benefits plan is far better than a job that pays 70k with none. This is especially when you have pre-existing medical conditions. Medical care in those situations can cost over $1000 a MONTH for one person. And if you choose to not use medical insurance, if something does happen, you might be in debt for the rest of your life. So look beyond the salary and study the benefits you’ll get.

  • Freedom is important

A lot of jobs have a lot of freedom, and some have none. Generally, the more the job pays the more freedom it offers. When I say freedom, I’m talking about flexible scheduling, sick leave, paid leave, vacation time, etc. Some jobs expect you to show up right on time, every day, every week, every month, year after year. Others, which are obviously more desirable, have much more flexibility – some even allow you to choose your own hours.

  • Good work environments are vital

One of the most important things that job searches commonly overlook is work environment. Even if a job pays well, has good benefits, etc. it may not have a good working environment. If you show up to your job and your coworkers are hostile, you’re in a cubicle in a dimly lit, depressing room, there’s no way you’re going to be happy in the long run. On the other hand, if you get a job at a place that has a friendly, welcoming environment, with friendly coworkers, nice offices, etc. then you’ll be more likely to be happy, even if the job doesn’t necessarily pay that much.

  • Your input is important

While lots of workers feel like their voices are never heard, most of the time, your input is very important to your employer. Believe it or not, your employer DOES want you to be happy. Happy workers = higher productivity, which ultimately means more money for the company. If you have a small, reasonable request, try talking to your boss about it. Don’t go all melodramatic and threaten to quit, but just sit down and have an honest conversation with your employer. Chances are, if you’re reasonable and friendly, and the request is simple enough, it will be granted. The last thing employers in most cases want is for people to quit over stupid reasons. It costs employers quite a bit to find and hire new employees, so often times they’ll do a lot to keep you on board and happy. Be fair to your employers and give them plenty of honest and constructive input, and they’ll be fair to you.

Continue reading Part 2 ->>>