Worst-Case Scenario Survival Tactics for Job Seekers

by Christopher Jones


I spend a fair amount of time explaining how to achieve a best-case scenario. But what's a job seeker to do if she suddenly finds herself late for an interview? Or stumped by an interview question?

Certainly all those tips about how to prevent disasters are useless when you're in the thick of one. So in this article I'll tackle worst-case scenario survival tactics for job seekers.

I'm Going to Be Late for the Interview!

No matter how much you prepare, destiny still occasionally throws you a wild card.

Your car breaks down ... you get splashed by a bus ... your alarm fails to go off ... you're going to miss your job interview!

Take a deep breath. Collect your thoughts. You're about to place a very important phone call. The recruiter will want to know why you are running late and a realistic estimate of how long it will take you to (safely) get to the interview. The recruiter will also be looking for a courteous apology.

The call might sound like this:

"Hi Mel. This is Chris Jones. I have an 11 a.m. interview today for the editor position. Unfortunately, my car has broken down. I should be able to get there in 25 minutes if that's OK. I apologize for the inconvenience and I wanted to inform you as soon as possible."

Recruiters tend to be more accepting of incidents that fall under the "couldn't be avoided" category. If you live in New York like I do, traffic and bus drivers who speed up when they see mud puddles fall into this category.

Keep in mind that the recruiter is under no requirement to delay or reschedule the interview, but if you are polite and courteous, odds are you'll get a second chance.

I Don't Know How to Answer the Question!

If you get caught off guard by an interview question ... stall.

How you stall is the key. Saying, "That's a really good question," in a slow, measured tone is much more effective than, "Ummm. Let's see. Huh. That's a stumper!"

Don't make time for yourself by asking if you can "take a minute" or by coming up with a witty, tongue-in-cheek answer. This is not Hollywood Squares.

If you need more time, politely ask the interviewer to clarify a portion of the question. This is a very effective strategy, because often the interview questions that stop job seekers in their tracks are too vague to be approached logically. Asking for clarification can make a molehill out of a mountain.

I Forgot to Bring Copies of My Resume!

According to a recruiter colleague of mine, this happens far more often than you might think.

The key is to acknowledge it upfront and give a practical excuse -- one that avoids the perception of laziness or lack of forethought.

"I just wanted to let you know that I planned ahead to bring copies of my resume, but my printer didn't cooperate. It broke down on me. I can e-mail you a copy after the interview if that's OK."

And it should be OK. Chances are the recruiter will have a copy of your resume on hand. (Make sure you get e-mail addresses for all the interviewers who asked for a copy of your resume.)

I Called the Recruiter by the Wrong Name!

The average job seeker will meet anywhere from three to a dozen people during a job interview. Chances are that at some point he or she will call someone by the wrong name -- sometimes repeatedly.

If you find yourself in this situation, address it and move on.

"Amy, I'm sorry. I've met so many great people today, and I'm trying to put names with all the faces. Amy, I apologize."

Working the person's name into the apology will help keep you from making the mistake again.

Now, get back to the interview, phone screen or whatever matter was at hand.

Similarly, if recruiters call you by the wrong name -- which I've found to be far more common -- simply correct them after they've completed their sentence and move on.

Mistakes during the job search are like mistakes in business. They should be addressed -- not dwelled on.

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The Ultra-Honest Resume

How to Write a Resume That Passes the Verification Test
by Margaret Steen


When it comes to resumes, most job seekers know that honesty is the best policy. Never say you graduated from college when you didn't or make a job last a year longer than it really did. But the verification process many employers use for resumes can trip up even workers who aren't trying to fool anyone. All it takes is a little carelessness, a poor memory of what happened eight years ago, or the acquisition of a former employer to turn a resume into a liability.

Many companies hire outside background checkers to verify resumes and job applications. These companies note every inconsistency and piece of information they can't confirm -- even the difference between starting a job on April 1 and April 5 -- although some problems are treated more seriously than others by employers.

"We don't make recommendations about whether to hire or not hire," says Glenn Hammer, founder of A Matter of Fact, which does pre-employment background checks in Northern California. "We'll let the employer decide."

Hammer and other experts offer tips to creating a resume that won't raise red flags -- issues that could slow down the offer process or even, in an extreme case, scuttle a potential offer:
If you're not sure, don't guess. If you can't remember for certain when you left a position, call the company and ask. The same goes for your salary history, which generally doesn't go on a resume but you might be asked for on an application.

"We see a great deal of discrepancy where somebody puts down that they left a job in June and the employer has that they left their job in March," says Barry Nadell, president of InfoLink Screening Services, a Kroll Company. Some of those people may be lying to cover up a gap in their employment history, but Nadell says others simply weren't sure and wrote down their best guess.
Provide extra information if the company's situation has changed. If a previous employer was bought by another company, it could make it harder for a background checker to verify your employment (although background checkers do have access to databases that sometimes contain this information). Clarify the situation in a short note on your resume: Note the new owner in parentheses after the listing.

Be careful with titles and temp work. At some companies, employees use a title on their business cards, for example, that is different from the one on file with human resources. An HR job title might be "senior marketing manager," Hammer says. "That's not particularly helpful to an employer. In fact what they called you in the company was 'marketing manager for electric grid suppliers.'"

If the title your HR department uses for your position is very different from the job title normally applied to a particular job, it may help to list both titles on your resume or job application.

Also, if you worked at a well-known company through a temporary agency, make sure you note on your resume and application that you were employed by the agency. The well-known company will likely have no record of your employment.
Don't obsess over it. If, despite your best efforts, the background checkers can't confirm one of your past jobs, it may not be a problem. At Nadell's firm, more than one-third of past employment verifications turn up something that can't be confirmed. This doesn't mean you'll automatically be turned down for the job.

"If I get a background check that says, 'We couldn't verify employment at five of these places,' I'm going to say to the guy, 'Look, I need more information,'" says Richard Martinez, a management consultant who is currently acting vice president of human resources at NanoAmp Solutions in Milpitas, California. "But if they had 10 jobs in the last 30 years, and we can't verify one that they had 25 years ago, I'm not that concerned about it."

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Words Every Resume Should Include

by Caroline Levchuck


Every word on your resume counts in today's competitive job market. But some words count more than others -- especially those that refer to soft skills.

Soft skills are increasingly important in the workplace. In fact, 86 percent of employers considered soft skills to be among their most important hiring criteria in a recent survey by two University of Massachusetts economists.

'Teamwork'

Teamwork is more important than ever in the workplace.

The ability to work well with others to accomplish a common goal is vital for a harmonious workplace.

Employees are often organized into teams to manage projects. And many employers believe collaboration increases the quality of work and improves productivity.

A team player is an attentive listener, a cooperative colleague and is willing to help others.

'Flexibility'

Employers value workers who are flexible and able to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. In other words, it's sometimes just as important to be a jack-of-all-trades as a master of one.

You can show that you're flexible by demonstrating a willingness to take on new and varied projects and an ability to handle changing priorities and deadlines.

Ultimately, being flexible doesn't only increase the odds that you'll get a job -- it also improves your chances of keeping it should layoffs occur.

'Detail-Oriented'

Employers want to know that they can trust workers to handle a project down to the last detail.

Being "detail-oriented" means being organized and meticulous about your work. It also implies that you can work without constant supervision and act independently.

'Self-Motivated'

Employers value employees who are self-starters. These workers can generate their own ideas and follow them through to fruition.

A self-motivated worker goes the extra mile. She regularly takes on tasks that may not be part of her job description. She's inspired to work hard not just to reap rewards but also for personal satisfaction.

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Words to Avoid in Your Resume

by Christopher Jones


Most resume-writing guides focus on "power words" -- words that promise to grab the attention of recruiters as they scan hundreds of resumes -- but few tell you what words to avoid in your resume.

Below is a list of words and word types that your resume would be better without.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

AFPCA, CHIGFET, FIPL, MRSRM, ZWE: Looks like a fresh game of Scrabble, doesn't it?

Too many abbreviations and acronyms in a resume make it unreadable.

As a rule, avoid using abbreviations and acronyms unless they are commonly recognized. If you work in an acronym-heavy industry, such as technology, use acronyms sparingly.

Personal Pronouns

It seems odd to avoid personal pronouns (I, me, my) in your resume -- a document that is all about you.

But, it actually does make sense.

Since your resume is all about you, the addition of "I" or "me" is redundant. Since a resume should contain no unnecessary words, there is no place for the personal pronoun. Your resume, after all, is not a memoir but a concise summary of your skills and experience.

Negative Words

These words spell death for a resume.

Words like "arrested," "boring," "fired," "hate" and "sexist" catch a recruiter's eye like to a two-ton magnet catches a paper clip.

If there are difficult issues you want to raise, save them for the interview.

Keep These Words to a Minimum

There are other words that are sometimes necessary in a resume, but that should nevertheless be kept to a minimum.

Among these:

• Abused words: a, also, an, because, the, very
• Any word you can't define: You may think using these words make you sound smart, but if you use them incorrectly they could kill your chances of landing the job.
• Words that can be embarrassing if spelled wrong: assess, skills

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6 Fields That Stand to Benefit From the Stimulus Plan

How Job Seekers Can Benefit, Too
by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs


President Obama has promised the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act -- commonly known as the stimulus plan -- will boost to the flagging economy by creating jobs in a variety of sectors.

Though it will take a while before federal, state, and local governments determine how exactly to allocate the funds, economists agree that six sectors are poised to see a boost as a direct or indirect result of the stimulus. These include:

Construction. The biggest thrust of the stimulus plan is a national two-fer: creating jobs while shoring up the nation's infrastructure, including roads, bridges, rail lines, and wastewater and drinking water facilities. The Associated General Contractors of America estimates that stimulus spending would create or save 1.85 million jobs, including 640,000 in construction and 300,000 among suppliers and equipment manufacturers. Job opportunities will be even broader than traditional hard-hat jobs; there will also be openings for transit coordinators, waste disposal engineers, and accountants and managers with experience in large construction projects.

The Green Sector. This is a broad category of jobs, and there is some overlap with construction and energy. But generally these jobs are in some way aimed at reducing greenhouse gasses, reducing dependence on oil, or reducing consumption of other non-renewable sources. Examples can range from architects, to manufacturers and installers of solar panels, to energy rating auditors.

Medical Information Technology. The stimulus bill includes $19 billion for updating health information technology. This is intended to increase the number of physicians who use computers in their practice and will likely create opportunities for training health personnel and running health systems. It could also lead to job openings in hardware and software companies, from computer assemblers to systems analysts to project managers.

Education. Many states have made cuts in their education budgets, but the stimulus plan calls for a $53.6 billion state-stabilization to help states avoid further cuts and layoffs. Funding could also lead to new jobs for teachers and administrators in areas such as Head Start and other early-education programs. The stimulus also sets aside funds for modernization of schools (which overlaps with infrastructure and construction).

Energy and Utilities. A key part of the stimulus plan, and a campaign pledge by Obama, is the modernization of the nation's electrical grid. "Smart grid" jobs will include regulators hired by public utility commissions, in addition to load management engineers, meter manufacturers and systems control center operators.

Federal Government. A $787 billion package doesn't just administer itself. There will be openings for more lawyers, regulators, accountants, and administrators to ensure all of the dollars go where they're intended.

Too Soon to Celebrate?

Despite the oft-heard new phrase, "shovel-ready jobs," the stimulus won't create jobs overnight, economists say. Harry Holzer, an economist at Georgetown University and the Urban Institute, tells Yahoo! HotJobs that the stimulus is laying the seeds for future growth but, alone, won't turn around the job market.

"It takes time for government investment to expand the job market," Holzer says. "The most that economists expect in 2009 is fewer pink slips than we might have seen (without the stimulus). We need to also limit the damage of housing and credit markets as well as overseas markets, in order to achieve a broad-based economic recovery."

Sophia Koropeckyj, an economist at Moody's Economy.com, says that the stimulus plan is more about stopping the economic pain and limiting damage in the short term.

"Automatic stabilizers in the plan, such as unemployment insurance benefits, will have an immediate effect," she says. "In the second half of this year, tax cuts will help support employment, and by next year, state aid and infrastructure spending should begin to kick in."

Plant Your Own Seeds

Assuming that seeds planted by the stimulus plan bears fruit in all of these sectors -- and more -- how can job seekers prepare to benefit, whether this year or next? Economists believe that landing a stimulus-created job relies on the usual, time-tested qualities: education, experience, skills, and networking.

"A recession is a good time to get new training, update skills, or get certified in a new field," Holzer says. "Beyond that, (job hunters) should be patient and realistic and should keep an eye on sectors and industries and companies where new demand is opening up."

For more information on the types of job created in the stimulus plan, see "Jobs in All 50 States" on the White House blog and this study from the Council of Economic Advisers.

Career Opportunity

Recruiter Roundtable: The Follow-Up

How to Make Contact After the Job Application
by Yahoo! HotJobs


The Recruiter Roundtable is a recurring feature that collects career and job-seeking advice from a group of recruiting experts throughout the United States. The question we put before our panel this month is:

We often hear that it's good to "follow up" a week or so after sending a resume and/or applying for a job, especially if you don't hear back from the company. What are some practical guidelines you would suggest for when and how to follow up -- without being pesky?

Detail the Value You'd Add

Start by identifying the best person to speak with by checking with your network contacts or the firm's front-desk staff, and determine what you want to say. When communicating with the hiring manager, express your enthusiasm for the opportunity and highlight why you would be the right fit for the role. For example, if you're applying for a finance opening, mention the processes you implemented in a previous position to help the company significantly reduce costs and that you could assist the prospective employer in a similar fashion. As you conclude the discussion, ask about the next steps in the hiring process.

The key when following up with hiring managers is to avoid simply asking if they received your resume. Instead take the opportunity to demonstrate your initiative, show your enthusiasm, and detail the value you can contribute to the firm.
-- DeLynn Senna, executive director of North American permanent placement services, Robert Half International

Use Your Network

One week is a good time frame for a follow-up. Follow up once. Unfortunately, many companies and recruiters just don't have the bandwidth to personally respond to every job inquiry at the disappointment of many candidates. If you don't have a contact name, search LinkedIn for the contact of the hiring manager or recruiting manager. Usually someone's LinkedIn account is tied to their personal or work email address, and you can ask for an introduction through your network.
-- Lindsay Olson, partner, Paradigm Staffing

Keep It Short

Find a contact in the company/division of interest through professional networks. No matter what method of follow up you choose (i.e. phone, email, professional network), express your interest in the position, highlight your top qualities that match the job and keep your message short and to the point.

Describe how you would benefit the company with attaining their goals and list something that is relevant to their organization. Let them know you would be available to meet in person or over the phone to further discuss your background.

If you don't hear back within a week, ask yourself: Is this a company/job you are really interested in? If so, reach out again.
-- Judy Ottaviano, recruiting manager, and Marybeth Lambert, executive recruiter, Wells Fargo

Check Your Spam Folder

Many organizations are receiving record high numbers of applications these days, and often there isn't time (or staff) to provide direct updates to every applicant. Check to see if the organization has an online application status tool. Many Web-based systems will provide real-time updates on application status, but sometimes you have to dig to find them. Also, check your email spam folder. Many systems will produce an automated note that confirms receipt of an application, or gives information about general timelines, but you won't see it if it gets caught by your spam blocker.

If the automated tools can't help, then give a call to the organization's staff employment or personnel department.
-- Noah Apodaca, lead recruiter for staff at the University of California, Irvine

6 Soft Skills That Could Land You the Job

6 Soft Skills That Could Land You the Job
by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs


WANTED: Payroll Manager with BA in accounting, five years of management experience, extensive knowledge of payroll principles, and a sense of humor.

Wait. Humor? Now you have to reconcile W2s, process checks, and crack up coworkers? Has the job market become that competitive?

Not exactly. Employers seem to demand the moon these days, but they're really looking for candidates who may be easier to work with (assuming they already have the core skills to do the job). That means "soft," or intangible qualities, such as leadership, sense of humor, or "playing well with others," can be a strong competitive advantage for the job seeker. When a search comes down to two systems analysts with similar backgrounds and core competencies, the one who also may be a better "team player," or can "wear many hats," is more likely to get the nod.

Qualities You'll Need

"Today, employers want to see a candidate's ability to show value in the workplace beyond the job description," Stefanie Cross-Wilson, co-president of recruitment and talent management at Hudson, tells Yahoo! HotJobs. "It's the tangible skills or core competencies that get you in the door. It's the soft skills that often get you the job."

Any of these six qualities could give you a competitive edge:

Leadership/Team Building. Leadership skills are not only critical for supervisory positions, but also for candidates who may want rise to positions where they'll give directions to others, experts say.

Team Player. Employers like people who play well with others. Even if the job you seek isn't officially part of a team, an employer may want examples of how you collaborated with people who don't report to you.

Goal-Oriented Self-Starter. This doesn't necessarily require motivating others. While employers don't necessarily want loose canons or mavericks, they do appreciate people who don't need to be told what to do and can set their own tasks and follow through.

Excellent Communicator. No matter what the core job duties are, the ability to write a coherent memo or email, give clear verbal instructions, and help meetings run smoothly -- or, at least, not sabotage meetings -- will probably be needed.

Flexibility/Multi-Tasking Ability. Sometimes employers will call this the "ability to wear many hats." Most professionals have multiple job duties even in the best of times. In an environment rife with layoffs, managers are especially comforted knowing a candidate can take on even unanticipated tasks.

Sense of Humor. Unless you're applying to Comedy Central, you don't have to make them double up laughing, according to John McKee, president and founder of BusinessSuccessCoach.net and author of "Career Wisdom."

"While I don't hear recruiters asking for candidates who can tell a joke well, I do believe that evidence of light-heartedness and/or the ability to lighten up a tough situation is valued, and self deprecation seems to be well-received," McKee says.

Putting the Skills in Play

Other common soft skills demanded on job listings include "time management" (you can get everything done on time), "strong work ethic" (you're not inclined to take three-hour lunches), and "problem solver."

Though you might be able to hint at any of these qualities on your resume, it's really in an interview where you let the skills shine. "At interview time, most hiring managers are digging deeper into core skills, but also evaluating soft skills, which depend on what is necessary for the position," says Lindsay Olson, partner and recruiter at Paradigm Staffing.

You don't have all of these soft skills? Don't worry. Even in today's job market, it's not necessary to be super-human. Cross-Wilson says: "Employers don't expect you to be brilliant at everything. In the interview you can be honest if there is a weakness you have. If you are able to be relaxed and be yourself, they'll see you as authentic."

Build Mini-Stories

Olson suggested that job seekers build "mini-stories" around the soft skills they think would be valuable for the job and share them at the interview. "You should prepare specific examples of how you dealt with a specific task or issue that will help others understand you have skills to solve their problems too."

What if you don't think you have the necessary soft skills to land the job? It's not like you can take a class to boost your sense of humor, but you can ask a mentor or a friend for help in improving, for example, your email etiquette. Many soft skills can be built or improved on the job, experts say. Consider volunteering for more responsibility, or jump at the chance to be on a team, so that you'll have anecdotes to tell on your next interview.

Career Opportunity

Make the Most Amount of Money in the Shortest Amount of Time

by Shannon Dauphin, FindtheRightSchool.com


Many high-paying jobs require an advanced degree and years of education. But what if you don't have the time to wait? These are a few of the highest-paying entry level careers, and best of all, you don't have to toil through years of higher education to get your foot in the door.

Though the jobs listed here require an associate's degree to start, earning a bachelor's degree in your chosen field dramatically increases your income potential. Whether you choose to go the traditional route and attend college classes or choose the online degree programs offered by many reputable universities, these professions can offer not only a good income, but growth and job stability as well.

Electrical Engineer
An associate's degree is the launching pad for many engineering jobs. Two years or less will have you working at entry level for some engineering professions, while a bachelor's degree can put you in the running for the top positions.

There has never been a better time to work as an electrical engineer. Electrical engineers are responsible for designing, testing, and maintaining electrical equipment. They are always on the cutting edge of new technology and innovations.

Salary: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median income for an electrical engineer was $97,204 in 2007.

Paralegal
An associate's degree in paralegal studies takes two years or less, but becoming a paralegal might take even less time than that, as some employers train their paralegals on the job.

Though attorneys take ultimate responsibility for any legal papers they file, they rely heavily on paralegals to do the legwork. Paralegals learn as they go, and can often wind up with a knowledge of law that is equivalent to that of their employer. The income for a paralegal varies depending upon geographic location, education, experience, and the focus of the employer's law practice.

Salary: The BLS reports the median income for paralegals, including bonuses, was $44,990 in 2007.

Nurse
Health care is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States, and many hospitals complain of a shortage of nurses. The chances of a well-trained individual landing a nursing job are excellent.

Becoming a licensed practical nurse requires a one year training program and a licensing examination. In addition to being offered by colleges and universities, training programs are also available in hospitals, nursing homes, and high schools. Under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses, LPNs assist other medical staff in caring for the ill, injured, and disabled.

Further education is required for registered nurses, who must complete an associate's program or obtain a bachelor's degree. An associate's program usually takes two or three years to complete. Diploma programs in hospitals, where nurses learn on the job, take an average of three years. Registered nurses are the backbone of the health industry, serving patients and their families on every level, from basic triage and admission to rehabilitation and after care.

Salary: The BLS reports that the median income for an LPN was $37,940 in 2007, while the median income for an RN was $60,010.

Pharmacist
To become a pharmacist, it's no longer necessary to get a bachelor's degree. After two years of college study, a student is eligible to apply to a doctor of pharmacy program. Earning a pharmacy technician degree during those initial two years of college study could be your first step toward becoming a pharmacist. Hit the ground running by working as a pharmacy technician while pursuing your Pharm.D. degree.

Some pharmacists run their own pharmacies, while others choose to work for large pharmacy chains. They are employed by hospitals and other medical facilities, as well as small pharmacy outlets in supermarkets and retail stores. In addition to dispensing drugs to patients, pharmacists also provide counseling and information on medications. Since the medical world is constantly changing, the education for a pharmacist never really ends.

Salary: The median income for a pharmacist in 2007 was $100,480, according to the BLS.

Dental Hygienist
Working in a dental office is one of the most lucrative money-makers for the least amount of time. You can be certified to work as a dental hygienist in as little as two years.

Some dental hygiene programs require that applicants have completed at least one year of college, but the requirements vary. The program awards an associate's degree at the end of two years, and more than half of all dental hygienists work only part-time. Dental hygienists are responsible for cleaning teeth, taking x-rays, and assisting the dentist.

Salary: Dental hygienists were commanding a median wage of $64,740 in 2007, according to the BLS.

Shannon Dauphin is a researcher, novelist, occasional editor, and owner of a booming freelance business. Her most important job, however, is being Mom to the coolest kids she has ever met.

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