By : Robert Half InternationalSigns are emerging that the job market is picking up, but landing a new position can still be a challenge. The last thing you want to do is sabotage your employment search, and, since your résumé is typically the first impression that hiring managers have of you, it's also the first place where you can potentially ruin your chances.According to a survey conducted by Robert Half International, executives spend more than six minutes, on average, screening each résumé they receive -- which means every word counts in this critical document.Of course, no job seeker is going to shoot himself or herself in the foot on purpose. But you might be harming yourself without realizing it. Here are five common mistakes that put you at risk of losing the job opportunity:1. You don't proofreadThree out of four executives interviewed said just one or two typos in a résumé would remove applicants from consideration for a job. Since your word processing program has a spell-check function, you may think there's no need to review your résumé for typos and grammatical errors. Unfortunately, spell-checkers don't catch words that may be spelled correctly but used incorrectly: For example, if your most recent position was as a corporate blogger, your software may not raise the red flag if you mistakenly list yourself as a "logger." In addition to reading through the résumé yourself, you should also have someone else review it to catch any errors that you may have overlooked.2. You ignore potential red flagsWhen reviewing your résumé, imagine that it belongs to someone else. After reading through it, would you have questions about the information provided or be concerned by a lack of details? If you have these thoughts, rest assured potential employers will, too. For instance, one of the biggest red flags is a gap in employment that goes unexplained. Rather than make a hiring manager wonder why you were away from the workplace for an extended period of time, use your cover letter to address why you weren't working and how you continued to advance your career through volunteer opportunities, professional development courses or other means.3. You exaggerate your qualificationsSome people will do whatever they can to stand out, which includes fudging the details about a job title, the amount of time spent with an employer or a professional accomplishment. If you think that a hiring manager won't try to confirm your qualifications, think again. If you are caught making up information, you not only will lose out on the opportunity at that company but also may permanently harm your reputation. Even a small fib can prove harmful. For instance, if you're working toward a degree that you plan to complete by the summer, don't say you already have the credential.4. You don't explain yourselfThe best résumés use specific language so hiring managers can clearly understand your qualifications and accomplishments. If you say you are "knowledgeable" about HTML, an employer will not know if you use it every day to code Web pages or if you simply know that the acronym stands for Hyper Text Markup Language. Instead of using a vague term, you should explain how you've used your knowledge of HTML for certain projects or to aid your employer, how long you've been using it and if you possess any relevant certifications. Along the same lines, be specific when listing periods of employment, including the month and year for start and end dates instead of just the year.5. You're too wordySometimes it's difficult to determine what information belongs in your résumé and what can be safely left out. After all, the temptation is to describe any qualification that might remotely tip the scales in your favor. But you might not want to list every accomplishment, skill or project you've worked on. Hiring managers appreciate brevity, so cull the information you include, focusing on the aspects of your work history that are most relevant to the job for which you're applying. If you've had a long career, for instance, you may include fewer details about jobs you held early on that don't relate to your current career path. Omit hobbies, personal facts and other fluff, too.Job Vacancy , Indonesia Job , Job Indonesia 
By : Rachel ZupekEverybody knows that in most situations, less is more -- your accessories, eating habits and especially your résumé.Job seekers do themselves a disservice when they send out résumés with too much information. Employers don't have the time or the patience to sift through irrelevant information like your hobbies, interests or how many grandchildren you have. Just stick to the basics and you're good to go.Here are 10 things to leave off your résumé and why:1. Your pictureWhy to leave it off: Unless a job posting specifically asks for your picture (and very few jobs will), don't include it just for fun. Not only are your looks irrelevant to your potential as an employee, but you're putting employers in a bad spot. If they have a picture of you and choose not to hire you, it's possible that you could come back with a discrimination lawsuit. In most cases, they'll throw your résumé away without looking at it, to avoid the issue altogether.2. Interest and hobbiesWhy to leave them off: Unless your interests and hobbies have something to do with the job you're applying for, there's no reason to include them. If you want to show how your passion for art would be an asset to a graphic design position, that's one thing. But telling employers that you love to skydive on an actuary application is another. In general, make any applicable connections between your hobbies and the job in your cover letter. Better yet, save them for the interview when you're asked what you like to do outside of work.3. Spelling mistakes and grammatical errorsWhy to leave them off: Most employers assume that if you're OK with sending out a résumé littered with typos and mistakes, you'll have the same lack of concern for the work you do as an employee at their company. While spell check picks up most errors, it can miss something major -- did you work the late night shift? Or did you forget to include the "f" between "i" and "t"? -- so have several eyes look over your résumé before sending it out to employers.4. Personal attributesWhy to leave them off: Similar to sending a picture with your résumé, your height, weight, age, race or religion are all unimportant to an employer. Though it's illegal for employers to discriminate against applicants because of any of these factors, some will do so, regardless. Keep everything on your résumé pertinent to the job, and you'll be fine.5. ReferencesWhy to leave them off: Many job seekers still include references on their résumé or they include a line that says, "References available upon request." This tactic is not as effective as it used to be. Jack Harsh, adjunct professor at the University of Richmond Robins School of Business, says that when he receives a résumé with references attached, he gives them virtually no weight. "They seldom are specific to the role my company seeks and are not meaningful in considering qualifications or traits of successful candidates," he says. Wait to broach the topic of references until you're asked for them.6. Minute detailsWhy to leave them off: Hiring managers don't need to know the details of every task you've ever done in every job you've ever had. It's just too much information, and usually half of that information isn't relevant. Employers want to be able to see at first glance that you're a great candidate, so pick out those details that are most relevant to the job for which you're applying and omit the rest.7. False informationWhy to leave it off: Plain and simple, no one wants to hire a liar. Don't say that you have a master's degree if you've only earned your bachelor's; don't say you're presently employed at a company if you've recently been fired; don't list your salary history as 20 percent higher than it was. Everything you tell an employer can be verified, so play it safe and be honest.8. FlairWhy to leave it off: No one wants to look at a résumé on fluorescent paper, covered in crazy fonts and symbols. Similarly, links to personal Web sites, your photo-sharing site, or strange e-mail addresses can also be left off. Employers are less likely to respond to likes2party@email.com than just DMiller@email.com.9. NegativityWhy to leave it off: Never put anything negative on your résumé. Don't include your reasons for leaving. If you left the position due to a layoff or you were fired, for example, bring it up only if asked. Never write anything bad about a previous employer. Don't explain gaps on your résumé by stating that you were in prison for 10 years for killing your husband. Keep your résumé all positive, all the time.10. A selfish objectiveWhy to leave it off: Employers are trying to determine whether you're a good fit for their organizations, so everything on your résumé should point to your experience. Employers would rather see a summary of qualifications that displays your accomplishments and background than a generic objective statement like "To gain experience in..."Job Vacancy , Indonesia Job , Job Indonesia
By : Jennifer AnthonyIf you have more than one goal, knowing which direction to take your career can be quite the dilemma. Many job seekers are looking in more than one area of expertise, and their résumés often reflect that. The problem with this is that it can be confusing for hiring managers.Of course, most employers hope to hire multi-taskers, but many times having a varied assortment of skills listed on your résumé can work against you. What you need to do is focus your résumé to suit a particular career, even if this means creating a different résumé for each different job pursuit.So, I really need more than one résumé?If your career pursuits are similar, one résumé might be all you need. But if you're looking in various, unrelated industries or roles during your job search, you'll have to have a different résumé for each job goal.When you write a generic résumé for all of your career goals, it may be too extensive. Employers are looking for someone who is focused. You want the person in charge of hiring to look at your résumé and know immediately you're the right candidate to call in for the interview. Any uncertainty on the part of the hiring manager means the résumé is destined for the trash bin. Recruiters and hiring managers simply don't have time to waste reading wordy or confusing résumés.Another way to tell if you need to write more than one résumé is by giving it a thorough review. Better yet, have a trusted friend or relative go over your résumé. Are your goals confusing? Are your skills across the board? Would a hiring manager have any trouble figuring out what it is you actually do? If so, you're in need of more than one résumé.I sent out my résumés ... now what?You need to know if your résumé is effective, but how can you tell? One way is through tracking. It's not enough to create a résumé and send it off to employers. To be fully successful in your job hunt, you'll want to keep track of where it went and the type of response it received.When you're ready to apply to jobs, make a spreadsheet or grab a notebook to record some information. List the date, the type of résumé sent and where it went. In addition to helping you remember where you applied, it will also help you to see how effective each résumé actually is.For instance, are you garnering more interviews resulting from one résumé than another? Are you getting any call backs at all, or are your résumés being ignored? Keeping track of where résumés were sent, when, and the response (or lack of response) to each one will help in your job search.If you find you're not receiving as many responses to your résumé as you had hoped, don't be dismayed. It just means a little more fine tuning is in order. Your primary goal is to catch the eye of the hiring manager. You simply can't do this with a generic résumé.Job Vacancy , Indonesia Job , Job Indonesia
By : Donald AsherEverybody knows that résumés are useful for getting interviews, but not everybody realizes the résumé's other, equally important, functions: It structures the interview process, reminds the interviewer of you after you are gone, and justifies the hiring decision to others. So a good résumé can do four things, each distinctly separate and distinctly important:1. First, you gotta get that interviewThe biggest challenge your résumé will ever face is direct competition. It needs to win the interview in the shoulder-to-shoulder battle with other résumés, many of which are from candidates with better qualifications than yours. Some glamour industries, such as the hottest and most successful tech companies, receive in excess of 1,000 unsolicited résumés per day. Following some smart guidelines, you can get interviews and jobs at odds well in excess of 1,000 to one.Writing résumés that win interviews requires an understanding of what happens to your résumé when it hits XYZ Corp. It is usually screened by résumé-sorting software and then a human being. These different constituencies for your magnum opus require different strategies.Software is patient, and it will read to the bottom of a résumé. You can take keywords from a job posting and mix them in anywhere and the software will find them. A smart résumé writer will find creative, truthful ways to insert all the words that the software might be programmed to seek. These can include major competitors to the hiring company, certain degrees, technical skills and even certain cities, zip codes or area codes. This is a skill that you can learn if you start to think hard about it. Always tell the truth, but find a way to get the sought-after words into your document. The software will find them wherever you put in them in your résumé.But humans read differently. They spend only a few seconds before deciding to reject a résumé. With humans, you win or lose in the first 10 lines. Never make a human read more than a few lines to know what you can do for them.2. The résumé will structure the interviewMost interviewers will go right down your employment history, asking questions about each job. Your résumé should not tell the whole story; it should pique curiosity, begging for a clarifying question. (It should not, however, be confusing or obtuse.)Incidentally, you should take plenty of extra copies of your résumé to any interview. Your interviewer will often ask for one, and some interviewers ask for several as a ploy to get all of yours away from you. Then they can test your memory. Have plenty of copies and pass this test.3. The résumé reminds the interviewer of you after you are goneResearch has shown that after you are gone, the résumé can overwhelm the interviewer's memory of you in person. A candidate with a good written presentation will be remembered as articulate, well groomed and intelligent; one with a poor written presentation will be remembered as unkempt, inarticulate and ill prepared, regardless of how the candidates actually performed in the interview. Few candidates realize how important this résumé function is.The one major exception to the above occurs when an interviewer decides you are lying or grossly exaggerating. In this case all credibility is lost and your written presentation is discounted entirely. Don't cross that line.4. Finally, your résumé can justify the hiring decision to others.The hiring cycle is getting longer and longer. More people are involved, and everyone is afraid to make a mistake. If you are the wrong hire, it can be very difficult to get rid of you. There are people higher up in the organization who rubber stamp your hire decision without ever meeting you. The better you look on paper, the more comfortable they are with making a decision. Here the wrong résumé can undo every right thing about you.Candidates who are referred by friends, or who are interviewing with people they know, may not realize how critical it is to write a winning résumé anyway. Your friend may love you, but somebody upstairs has to be fully satisfied. The résumé better live up to the rest of your presentation, or you could get nixed by someone who never even meets you.As you are writing your résumé, keep in mind what you want it to do for you. If you understand what your goals are, and what you want your résumé to accomplish each time you use it, you will do a better job of achieving those goals.Job Vacancy , Indonesia Job , Job Indonesia
By : Selena DehneDon't underestimate the power of a cover letter. When well-written, attractively designed and customized for the recipient, a cover letter is a powerful tool that can practically scream, "Interview this candidate immediately!"But when they are thrown together using little to no consideration, personalization or creativity -- as cover letters often are -- letters are as ineffective in the job hunt as blank sheets of paper."This is a major misstep when job searching," say Wendy Enelow and Louise Kursmark, co-authors of "Cover Letter Magic." "You should take advantage of every opportunity there is to stand out from other candidates."Enelow and Kursmark also say that writing a cover letter can be more fun than job seekers realize. "With the right perspective and a positive attitude, you'll find that it affords you great flexibility. There is no one set format in which they must be written. There is no one style in which they must be presented. In fact, there are very few rules at all, and because they are so flexible, cover letters allow you to positively present just those skills, qualifications, achievements and credentials you want to bring to the recipient's immediate attention."There are a variety of ways job seekers can get creative with their cover letters and bring them to life in ways they never considered. In their book, Enelow and Kursmark suggest a few of these techniques:1. Find out what your target employer's slogan, catch phrase or mission statement is and brainstorm ways to include it in your cover letter's introduction. This technique will quickly capture the reader's attention, demonstrate that you are familiar with the employer and stand out from other candidates' one-size-fits-all cover letters.2. Add a table or two-column section that closely connects the employer's requirements to your qualifications and professional achievements. This strategy will quickly provide the employer with concrete evidence that you're a good fit for the job and worth learning more about.3. Begin with a thought-provoking quote relevant to the position, the employer's goals or your target industry. Many people love to read, share and ponder quotes. Including one in your cover letter can be a quick and effective way to engage the reader.4. Feature a strong headline near the beginning of the cover letter. To keep it brief, yet powerful, address one of the employer's key concerns or spotlight your expertise or an attribute that will be particularly appealing to the employer.5. Develop your own slogan or mission statement and include it near the top of your cover letter. This technique will enhance your career brand and stand out much like a headline would. To draw even more attention to the phrase, place it inside a graphic element that is attractive and appropriate.6. Add a "P.S." to the end of your cover letter. Often, it's the first thing a person will read.7. Include testimonials about you in the body of your cover letter or in an attractive sidebar. Testimonials will emphasize your skills and achievements and support claims you make about your expertise and why you're the best candidate for the job.Job Vacancy , Indonesia Job , Job Indonesia
By : Kaitlin MaddenWhen we refer to something as being "common sense," we usually mean that it is something we think everyone should know. Often, though, it turns out that what may seem like common sense to one person isn't always so to someone else. For example: Veterinarians spend their days around animals, so they might consider it common knowledge that cats sleep about 18 hours per day; hence the reason your vet seems so amused when you bring Muffin in for a checkup, concerned about her inability to stay awake.Similarly, because human-resources professionals constantly screen and interview candidates, what may seem like a common-sense interview tip to them might not have crossed a job seeker's mind. Following are "common-sense" interview tips straight from the experts' mouths.1. Be presentableWear a suit that fits, and don't cut corners when it comes to ironing or dry-cleaning, says Monique Honaman, CEO of leadership development company ISHR Group. "I knew one guy who was in such a rush the day of his interview that he only ironed the front of his shirt. Later, during the course of his interview day, it was hot and he was encouraged to remove his jacket and get more comfortable and it was clear that he had cut corners and only ironed the front! He was very embarrassed," Honaman says.Also, while you should always wear deodorant, try to avoid perfumes and colognes. You never know who will be allergic or just downright averse to your scent. "A hiring manager once told me a story of how he didn't select an incredibly well-qualified candidate for a role because she wore the same perfume as his ex-wife," says Danielle Beauparlant Moser, a career coach with Blended Learning Team. "He said she walked in the room and his only thought was how to get her out of his office as quickly as possible."2. Don't be too earlyWhile you should always arrive at your interview a few minutes early, try not get there more than 15 minutes before your scheduled interview time, advises Ben Yeargin, a manager at Spherion Staffing. "[Arriving early] will lead to anxiety on the candidate's part because they have to sit and wait for an extended period of time, and it will lead to frustration on the hiring manager's part because they will feel rushed with the project that they are trying to accomplish prior to the interview," he says.If you find yourself getting to the building earlier than you thought, wait in your car or take a walk around the block until it's closer to your interview time.3. Know whom you're meeting with"Know the name of the interviewer so that you can ask for that person at the receptionist's desk," advises Cheryl Palmer, president of Call to Career, an executive coaching firm. "It's embarrassing when the receptionist asks, 'Who are you here to see?' and you can't remember. Have this information either in your head or write yourself a note that you refer to prior to arriving in the waiting area," Palmer says.4. Remember: You are being interviewed as soon as you walk in the door"Most people would never think of the receptionist as being an interviewer, but it's true," Palmer says. "It's fairly common that the receptionist will report back to the hiring manager how candidates behaved in the waiting area. Don't be remembered as the one who ate all the candy out of the candy dish or spoke disrespectfully to the receptionist."5. Make proper eye contact"One of the most obvious mistakes interviewees make is with eye contact, and it costs a lot of people a lot of jobs," says Barry Maher, who owns a California-based career coaching firm. "Eye contact is simple," he says. "Any given eye contact should last about five seconds at a time. And if there's one interviewer, make eye contact with him or her about 40 to 60 percent of the time. More than 60 percent is intimidating. Less than 40 percent comes off as shifty and perhaps insincere, even dishonest."6. Eat before the interview, not during itDuh? Not according to Yeargin, who has experienced interview-snacking firsthand. "I was in an interview, no more than 10 minutes into it, and I got called out for two minutes to answer a question," he says. "When I returned, the applicant was eating some sort of granola or other snack bar. Needless to say that individual did not get a job with my company." No matter what the candy bar ads have to say, your hunger can wait.7. Make sure that what you do eat beforehand does not involve onion or garlicYou want to be remembered for your professionalism and outstanding skills, not for what you ate for lunch. Advises Palmer, "Don't eat anything that has a strong odor before the interview."8. Don't look at your watchBlock at least two hours of time for the interview, says Cindy Loftus, co-owner of Loftus O'Meara Staffing. Loftus also advises keeping your schedule relatively clear on the day of the interview, to avoid feeling the need to rush. "Don't create distractions to your interview," she says.9. Tell the interviewer you are interestedDon't forget to tell the recruiter you want the job. "If you truly feel the position is a fit, let them know and tell them you would like to get to the next round of interviews, and be prepared to tell them why," Loftus says.10. Get business cards from your interviewers -- and use them"Ask for the business cards of all of the interviewers that you have met and make sure you take a second or two to read their card," Loftus says. This will not only be helpful in remembering each person you met with, but will make it easier to send proper thank-you notes and follow up e-mails, which should always be done within 24 hours of leaving the interview.Job Vacancy , Indonesia Job , Job Indonesia
By : Beth Braccio HeringWhile some employment opportunities state in black and white what wage an applicant can expect if hired, other positions are grayer in terms of salary. Talking about money with a potential employer might feel a bit awkward, but coming to terms that leave both sides content is crucial. Below, experts offer suggestions on how to prepare for salary negotiations.TimingNot wanting to look like they are only in it for the money, job seekers often hesitate to break the ice on the issue of salary. Is it OK for a candidate to bring up the topic?"I get asked this question by friends all the time, and the honest answer is that it depends entirely on the position," says Paul Peterson, national talent resource manager with Grant Thornton in Toronto. "If you are a campus hire, you do not ask upfront (first interview) as it can give the impression that you are solely money-focused. For experienced candidates, it's perfectly appropriate to bring up the topic, especially if you want to ensure that you are at least close in range."Anastasia Valentine, a product strategist and career coach from Ottawa, agrees that it is fine to bring up salary during the initial meeting -- but not as the first point in the conversation. If the employer doesn't eventually broach the subject, a tasteful approach is to ask for a salary range.The dreaded questionPerhaps no question scares candidates as much as, "What salary are you expecting from this position?" The last thing the applicant wants to do is sell himself short, but he also might fear pricing himself out of the running.Jen Rallis, author of "Ugly Résumés Get Jobs," suggests turning the tables by asking, "What salary range are you willing to pay for this position?" Once the employer provides a range, the candidate can simply respond, "That's suitable" if the numbers are in line with his needs.Likewise, job seekers being pressed for figures can offer the employer a suitable range. To avoid making an uneducated guess, candidates should find out before the interview what similar positions in the field are paying. "Being prepared and understanding market rates for the worth of experience and skills not only demonstrates confidence and preparation, it also keeps the discussion on a factual versus emotional level," Valentine says. "This speaks volumes to an employer beyond the request for a specific dollar amount."Peterson advises choosing numbers carefully. "Candidates need to remember the cardinal rule when giving ranges: If you give a range, for example 60-75K, the employer generally remembers the 60 while the candidate remains focused on the 75. Be prepared to give a small range."Proving worthCandidates who land offers at the higher end of a salary range are ones who can demonstrate to an employer that they are worth the price. Some ways to do that include: * Quantifying experience. ("My client increased sales by 8 percent after implementing my marketing idea.") * Researching the company beforehand so that you can tailor information to its needs. ("I see the company is interested in becoming 'greener.' Here are some ways I might be of help.") * Pointing out any extras that set you apart (advanced training, special certifications, knowledge of a second language, etc.). Reaching an agreementIdeally, both sides should have similar expectations regarding salary by the time an offer is issued. Yet sometimes there are surprises.Lisa Martin of Vancouver, British Columbia, a top talent consultant and coach for Lisa Martin International, suggests this diplomatic approach to dealing with an unfavorable offer: "Call back the next day (do not use e-mail or any other electronic format where your intent can be misunderstood) and tell the interviewer all the reasons you'd like to work with the company but that after due consideration there seems to be a misalignment with their needs and the value you bring to the organization. Ask if there is a way to bring the two into better alignment. If there seems to be interest, make a counteroffer."Rallis agrees that most employers will leave room for negotiation -- if not on salary then on other benefits. "Ask if a car allowance, cell phone allowance or extra vacation days are available to compensate for a lower salary."Finally, try to view negotiations as seeking a win-win situation for all involved. An employer with enough interest to go through all the stages leading up to an offer has already invested a fair amount of time and energy. The company may be just as eager as you to make things work.Job Vacancy , Indonesia Job , Job Indonesia
By : John KadorWhat were they thinking? Whenever I talk to human-resources professionals or recruiters, I always ask them to tell me the worst question they were ever asked in a job interview. How could any applicant actually believe questions like these are in his interests?Unfortunately, job seekers continue to ask dumb questions every day. These questions demonstrate poor judgment and effectively ensure their rejection.It's hard to generalize about such stunningly bad interview questions, but they all are "me" questions. These are questions that appear to put your needs before those of the employer. The best interview questions focus on what the applicant can do for the company, not what the company can do for applicant.Be certain that the questions you ask don't raise barriers or objections. For example, don't ask, "Is relocation a necessary part of the job?"The very question raises doubts about your willingness to relocate. Even if the person selected for the position is not tracked for relocation, the negativity of the question makes the hiring manager wonder whether you are resistant in other areas as well.If the issue of relocation is important to you, by all means ask, but go with a phrasing that reinforces your flexibility, not challenges it. A good approach: "I'm aware that relocation is often required in a career and I am prepared to relocate for the good of the company as necessary. Could you tell me how often I might be asked to relocate in a five- or 10-year period?"Here are five more bad questions you might be tempted to ask and what hiring managers will think when they hear them:What you ask: Is job-sharing a possibility?What they think: Possibly, but does this mean you can't give us a commitment for full-time work?What you ask: Can you tell me whether you have considered the incredible benefits of telecommuting for this position?What they think: Why do you want to get out of the office before you have even seen it?What you ask: I understand that employee paychecks are electronically deposited. Can I get my paycheck in the old-fashioned way?What they think: You are already asking for exceptions. What's next? And are you afraid of technology?What you ask: I won't have to work for someone with less education than I have, will I?What they think: You clearly have a chip on your shoulder. Why should we take a chance that you don't have other interpersonal issues?What you ask: The job description mentions weekend work. Are you serious?What they think: We're serious about the job description. We're suddenly less serious about you.Job Vacancy , Indonesia Job , Job Indonesia
By : Selena DehneIdeally, everyone would view the job search as an exciting and invigorating opportunity. In reality, the process can be stressful, exhausting and emotionally draining, particularly when coping with rejection, financial hardships or uncertainty about the future.It's important to realize that job searching doesn't have to be a negative experience. Richard Deems and Terri Deems, co-authors of "Make Job Loss Work for You," say people can take several small steps toward a faster, more rewarding job search. "Candidates who are out on the streets talking and meeting with people are those who maintain their energy and confidence," they explain. "On the other hand, those who sit back at home and merely mail out their résumés are often those who get discouraged. The feedback they get during the job search comes from receiving either no response or some form of a rejection letter. With each rejection letter, the body cringes and shrivels a little bit more."In their book, the Deems father-and-daughter duo offers some additional tips to help job seekers boost their drive during the job search:*Set up some kind of "office" where you can direct your job searchMake this a place where you can take calls, handle correspondence and keep track of your research and other information. A separate room (such as a spare bedroom) works best, but even a corner in the basement can help.You will need a desk, chair, phone, computer, Internet access, space to file materials and information, and space to work. It doesn't have to be fancy, but it does need to be comfortable and provide you with the privacy needed to direct your plan for action. When you are in this space, you are "at work." * Maintain your normal schedule. Don't sleep late. Get dressed each morning just as if you were going to be out talking to people -- because you probably will. One successful person with whom we worked sat down at his "office" every morning at 7:30, coffee in hand, and read the local and national newspapers, just as he had for 10 years prior. His reaction: "It really helped!" * Participate in some kind of physical fitness program. Some people jog, walk, play golf, lift weights, dance or do other forms of exercise. The important thing is that you're doing something. Remember, exercise helps relieve stress and anxiety and enables you to think more clearly. Exercise also releases body chemicals that help keep depression away. If you're a bit overweight, the extra exercise can help reduce the pounds and simply help you feel better about yourself. * Watch your diet and eat right. Eat balanced, reasonably sized meals. Excessive coffee can increase tension and appetite. Excessive alcohol can dull your thinking ability (plus add weight). Excessive sweets and sugars can increase tension and irritability. * View your activity as fulfilling your "job requirements." Except now your job is to find a new position in another company as quickly as possible. * Set weekly and daily goals in terms of contacts to make and research to conduct. Keep a record of your activity. People who devote four to eight hours to their job search per day get new jobs faster than those who devote only a few hours each week. Take time on Mondays to set up these goals, and time on Friday to review your progress. * Maintain your physical appearance. First impressions are important, and you will want to look good. For some, this may mean buying a new interviewing wardrobe. An investment in an interviewing wardrobe can often have a tremendous payback in terms of higher salary in the next position. If finances are a major concern, look for the recycled-clothing shops or job search "closets" that exist in many cities.Job Vacancy , Indonesia Job , Job Indonesia
By : Beth Braccio Hering"Rejections are not unlike breakups," says Marian Schembari of New York City. "I remember one time I was rejected from the perfect job and spent the day in bed like a love-struck teenager eating ice cream and watching movies. Maybe not the most productive way to spend my time, but it definitely made me feel better!"Anyone who has ever suffered through long-term unemployment can identify with Schembari's scenario, and such comforting may be just what is needed before sending out another application. But what happens when your desire to persevere needs an extra boost?Before reaching for another scoop of Ben & Jerry's, check out these motivational tips from experts and fellow job seekers.Start your day with structure"Get up every morning at your usual time and dress as if you're going to work -- because you are going to work, except now your work is finding a new job," says Richard S. Deems, co-author of "Make Job Loss Work for You."While it may be tempting to sleep in or lounge around in pajamas, getting your day moving can provide a psychological boost. "I think that keeping a schedule has helped me," says Cherie C. of Denver, who has been unemployed for nearly a year. "I wake up with my partner as he prepares for work, shower, dress and tackle the job search."Use your computer -- and then get away from itChances are you've used a computer to scout job postings, but have you explored the full potential of technology?Erica Myers of London spent seven months without a steady job. During this time, she learned new ways to connect to others and get an edge in the application process. Her tips to rev up job-search motivation by rethinking computer time include: * Use social networking sites and Google searches to find a person to contact directly instead of sending a blind résumé. * Build an online portfolio or a free website. (It not only looks great and tech-savvy, but it secretly gets you organized.) * Read the websites of companies that interest you. * Use connections and build on social media by looking through friends lists for useful contacts, searching through Twitter keywords and adding people on LinkedIn.Designate certain periods of the day as computer time -- then resist the urge to constantly check e-mail or see if one new position got posted. Too much screen time can zap energy. Instead, find other productive ways to pass the time."Do as much face-to-face networking as possible," Deems says. "Even if you've talked with your network two weeks ago, contact them again." He also is a fan of hand-delivering applications, noting that the return rate for mail-ins is about 3 to 5 percent.While some job seekers may feel guilty about spending free time doing anything besides looking for employment, exploring interests can be rejuvenating -- and potentially rewarding -- during a trying time."If someone is job hunting without getting the response they want, volunteering at a local hospital or for a nonprofit organization where they will meet new people who can extend their networking reach is a great game plan," says Debra Yergen, author of "Creating Job Security Resource Guide." "Not only will they keep their skills sharp, they'll also have an opportunity to make a larger networking base aware of their availability."Give yourself a breakThe familiar advice of persistence paying off holds true for finding a job. After all, you can't land a position if you don't even apply. Yet, while dedication will pay off in the long term, sometimes it helps to step away for a bit."On days when I lack motivation and don't want to send a résumé, I really try to push myself to keep working, but sometimes I've found it's best to wait a day," Cherie C. notes. "Sending a résumé while in a sad or defeated mood could lead to typos or other errors that could cost me consideration for the job. I take a short break and try to refresh myself."It is easy to feel frustrated when your inbox is filled with rejections or (worse yet) you aren't even acknowledged after pouring your heart into landing a seemingly perfect position. Job seekers are often hard on themselves when faced with such disappointments, but it pays to remember that setbacks are only a bump on a long career path that will have ups and downs. Take a look at your résumé to remind yourself of what you have accomplished, and when you're feeling better about your capabilities, get back to sending it out. Someone out there is waiting to read it.Job Vacancy , Indonesia Job , Job Indonesia
