Group Taps Top Companies for GLBT Employees

by Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs


The number of companies cited as best for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) employees grew in 2007, according to a leading U.S. advocacy group.

The Washington, D.C.-based Human Rights Campaign (HRC) named 195 companies to its list this year, up from 138 last year.

The list of companies includes Aetna, Apple Computer, Boeing, Charles Schwab, Chevron, Cisco Systems, Coors, Ford, Gap, IBM, Intel, Kaiser Permanente, Motorola, PepsiCo, Pfizer, Viacom, Visa, Wells Fargo, and Yahoo! Inc. For the complete report and list of companies, go to www.hrc.org/cei.

The Measures for Approval

All of the companies received perfect 100 ratings as part of the HRC's annual Corporate Equality Index, which evaluates companies' efforts to advance equality in the workplace. Criteria for the ratings include domestic partner benefits beyond health insurance (e.g. COBRA, vision, or dental), retirement benefits, leave policies, and supportive workplace guidelines.

"More businesses than ever before have recognized the value of a diverse and dedicated workforce," said Joe Solmonese, HRC's president. "These employers understand that discrimination against GLBT workers will ultimately hurt their ability to compete in a global marketplace."

Business leaders and community leaders agree that promoting equal treatment of GLBT workers makes good business sense.

"GLBT inclusiveness is a critical component of our objective to the employer of choice, service provider of choice, business partner of choice and neighbor of choice globally," said Ana Duarte McCarthy, chief diversity officer of Citigroup.

The DiversityInc Top 10

In April, DiversityInc magazine released its own list of the 10 best companies for GLBT employees -- all of which are included in the HRC's list.

The DiversityInc list is, in order: Xerox, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Ernst & Young, Eastman Kodak, SC Johnson & Son, Merrill Lynch, Whirlpool, and Chubb.

The magazine's criteria for honoring the 10 companies also included general diversity measures extending beyond LGBT equality issues.

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How to Entertain Clients with Class

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


For some people, entertaining clients is as much fun as entertaining their in-laws. But showing clients a good time is good for business -- as long as you get it right.

Use these tips to master the art of blending business and pleasure.

Planning Makes Perfect

If you want your time with clients to be successful, go on a fact-finding mission first. Find out what your clients' likes and dislikes are and plan accordingly.

Maya Kalman, founder of Swank Productions, tells anyone who's planning an event, "Learn as much as you can. You can never have too much information."

At Swank, a Manhattan-based event planning and design firm, Kalman and her staff fool-proof all events they put on by careful planning and thinking events through (and through and through). Kalman believes the best way to safeguard against a mishap at a client outing is to imagine worst-case scenarios and then create a plan to avoid such incidents or address them if they do occur.

"If you're afraid clients won't be able to find a venue or restaurant, plan for that. Provide transportation or escorts to make sure they get there," states Kalman. "You must be able to anticipate problems."

Muster More Than a Meal

Everyone likes to eat out, and clients are no exception. However, try to plan an additional activity or outing that will make your meeting memorable. Kalman recommends doing something with clients that they haven't done before. She says, "If you're going to take them to a show and their tastes are a bit edgy, try something like 'Avenue Q.'"

Swank Productions has also helped arrange adult scavenger hunts for its corporate clients. Kalman says, "We work with a company called Watson Adventures that writes these group scavenger hunts. Some feature finding things in certain artwork at the Met or the MOMA, kind of like 'The DaVinci Code.' It's a great bonding and teambuilding experience."

Sporting events, golf outings, or touring a local landmark can be fun. Whatever you choose, Kalman warns, "Be wary of the shock factor. A gentleman's club or comedy clubs can both make clients uncomfortable. Know their likes and limitations before planning anything like that."

Set the Mood

Entertaining clients can feel like play, but it's still work, so make sure you set an appropriate mood. "Don't go to a place where the music is so loud that it prohibits conversation," recommends Kalman. Conversely, she says, "Don't put too much pressure on people to interact with each other immediately."

If you're worried about a lack of energy, she recommends a well-orchestrated surprise at some point during the day or evening. "A timely surprise really adds life to an event or outing. Right now, a lot of folks are planning small, surprise after-parties following an event and they've been very successful and fun."

Balance the Booze

At many company outings, food and alcohol go hand in hand. Says Kalman, "Feeding people is really important. A lot of people focus on having drinks first, but you must offer some food as well. You don't want to set up a situation where a client overindulges and does something embarrassing."

Also, she says, "You want people to keep their energy up. Making sure food is available at healthy intervals throughout the day and evening ensures that."

A client may not always ask for what she needs. Kalman believes you need to "keep checking in, even if you're just making eye contact. Oftentimes, people have a question or a need and are hesitant to bring it up. Scan their faces for a curious look."

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Four Ways to Overcome Boredom at Work

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs

Even if you really enjoy your job, it's still possible to battle boredom as you work your way toward the boardroom. You may not be able to make big changes -- or change your job -- but you can make small adjustments to your routine that can make every day seem, well, a little less routine.

1. Switch Your Seat

Change your outlook at the office by changing your office -- literally. Ask your supervisor to help you find a new desk, office, or cube to call home. Even switching desks with a neighboring coworker can offer a fresh perspective.

If it's not possible to change your location, see if you can change how your desk is oriented. A new perspective can be just as refreshing as a new location.

2. Change Your Commute

Start and end your day in a different way by making changes to your commute. Consider a new mode of transportation, if it's possible. Take a subway. Ride a bike on sunny days. Carpool with a coworker. Use a new route to get to your job. You needn't change your commute permanently -- just long enough to help you escape the doldrums.

3. Find a New Way to Work

Shake things up at the office by changing how things get done.

Sick of attending that long-standing Monday morning meeting? Try to rally your boss to change it to the afternoon.

If you find yourself feeling most bored in the afternoons, try to arrange to do your favorite tasks then and tackle less desirable projects in the mornings.

If you usually communicate with coworkers via email and instant messaging, start dealing with people face to face. Increased interaction with coworkers may help improve your mood.

4. Get and Set a Goal

If you're not working toward something, it's no wonder that work has become boring. Identify a goal and set an "achieve by" date for it.

Your goal needn't be lofty as long as you have sufficient enthusiasm for it. Perhaps you want to tackle a new project. Maybe you'd like to pursue a promotion. Or you may even set a goal of finding a new job altogether. Whatever it is, actively moving toward an objective will make work much more interesting.

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When the New Job Is a Letdown

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Starting a new job can be exciting, nerve-wracking, and even scary. Unfortunately, it can also be disappointing. Perhaps you're being asked to work too many hours. Maybe you're not receiving any training. Or, worse yet, the job you accepted doesn't look anything like the job you're actually doing.

As a new hire, what should you do when a new job isn't what you thought it would be? Use these tips to navigate the rough waters in your first weeks.

1. Don't panic!

If things aren't going at all as you'd planned in your first few days or weeks in a new position, your instinct may be to hit the panic button and quit or begin a covert job search. Resist the urge to make a dramatic decision or rush to judgment. Rather, analyze what's making you feel like you've been duped. Create a document you can refer to, listing out what you were told or had expected versus what the reality of your day-to-day at a company is.

2. Speak with your supervisor.

Talent retention is an issue these days, and your manager likely doesn't want to be short-staffed. Debbi Titlebaum, the human resources director for Zingy, Inc., a mobile media company, advises opening a dialogue with a manager. She says, "Go to your boss and say, 'I've only been here for a few weeks and it's not what I was expecting. Can we talk about what my responsibilities are and how we can change them to include more of what we agreed upon?'"

If your boss is unable or unwilling to help you, you should then seek advice from human resources.

3. HR is there to help.

No one understands how difficult it is to find talented employees better than a human resources professional -- which gives you a valuable and knowledgeable ally in your plight. Titlebaum, who has worked in human resources for more than 12 years, advises, "If a job isn't exactly what you expected there can be a lot of valid reasons. If you communicate your dissatisfaction to your manager and to HR, there's probably a way to make it work."

Are long hours conflicting with child care? Ask about flex time. If you need more training, find out how you can get that. Is a position less glamorous than you thought? Ask for some additional, more compelling responsibilities.

If the position itself remains a bust despite everyone's best efforts, you may still have a future at the company. "If an employer is dealing with a good employee, they are going to want to hold onto her. Depending on the size of the company, they may be able to use her in another capacity," notes Titlebaum.

4. Move on to another opportunity.

Sometimes when a job isn't what you thought it would be, leaving may be your only option. If this is true, find another job first to avoid a gap on your resume. Also, treat your employer with respect and professional courtesy (even if you weren't treated that way) when leaving, so you don't burn any bridges.

To avoid a similar situation in the future, Titlebaum suggests that you always request a comprehensive job description before accepting an offer. "A written job description ensures that you and your supervisor know what your responsibilities will be," she says. And, be sure to ask your future manager to describe a typical workday and work week so that you have a better understanding of what your daily professional life will be like.

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How Second Careers Start

Pursue Other Interests While Getting Ahead
by Saira Rao, for Yahoo! HotJobs


So you've got it all -- great job, great office, great perks. You're thrilled, right? Not exactly. Your flabby stomach, weak social life, and unwritten screenplay could be nagging signs of dissatisfaction.

Welcome to 2007, where you're more likely to spot a live dinosaur than a 9-to-5 job. Today, work and its myriad demands can leave you feeling completely overwhelmed, with nary a moment to focus on you -- the you who used to have hobbies, friends, and -- gasp! -- a life.

But it doesn't have to be this way. If you are someone who has always dreamed of running a marathon, writing a novel, or sharpening your culinary skills, there are ways to pursue such interests -- or even a second career -- while still getting ahead at the office.

Finding the Time

While it's not easy to find extra time, it is possible. Marci Alboher, author of "One Person/Multiple Careers: A New Model for Work/Life Success," knows a thing or two about juggling multiple careers. Before becoming an author, journalist, and speaking/writer coach, Alboher was a lawyer. Her advice:

    * Cultivate "double duty" activities. "For example, if you are interested in photography but have no time to practice because you're always at work, see if there is a way to do some photography on the job by offering to be the official photographer at a work event."
    * Creative vacations. "When you finally get a vacation, rather than kick back at the beach, consider taking an intensive class or working with a career coach."
    * Be a slacker. "Many of us give 115% at work. What's the worst thing if you just gave 100% for a while to make room for more things in your life?"

No More Excuses

You can always find an excuse for not taking action.

    * Remove "if only" from your vocabulary. For example, stop thinking "if only I didn't have that deadline, I could really focus on my painting" OR "if only my client wasn't so demanding, I could start thinking about that novel I've wanted to write."
    * Skip the blame game. It is not your boss' job to make time for you to tend to your hydrangeas or get to that yoga class. Take responsibility -- you have more control than you think.
    * Set and stick to personal deadlines.

You Can Unplug

It's true -- Blackberries and other personal digital assistants (PDAs) can feel like human GPS tracking systems. But perhaps that's more self-imposed rather than work-imposed. If you've become that person who can't stop staring at their handheld device, chances are you're doing it to yourself.

    * Turn your device off on the weekends, unless absolutely necessary.
    * Once you leave the office, check your device only once before going to bed.
    * Whatever you do -- don't sleep with your Blackberry under your pillow.
    * Remind yourself often that working during your personal time robs you of time to engage in other interests, and ultimately enhance your fulfillment.

Saira Rao's debut novel, "Chambermaid," was just published by Grove Press. Ms. Rao wrote her novel while simultaneously working as an associate at a large New York City law firm. Learn more at www.sairarao.com.

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Real-Life Interview Blunders to Avoid

by Robert McCauley, Robert Half International


As any job seeker can tell you, acing an employment interview is no easy feat. According to a survey by Robert Half International, nearly one-third (32%) of executives polled said job candidates make more mistakes during the job interview than any other part of the job-hunting process.

You Can't Take It Back

Consider these real-life responses from hiring managers who were asked to name the strangest things they had ever heard of happening in a job interview:

* "After answering the first few questions, the candidate picked up his cell phone and called his parents to let them know the interview was going well."

* "The job seeker halted the conversation about work hours and the office environment, saying she didn't like being confined to a building, but would consider taking the job if she could move her desk to the courtyard outside."

* "When asked by the hiring manager why she was leaving her current job, the applicant said, 'My manager is a jerk. All managers are jerks.'"

* "After arriving for an early morning interview, the job seeker asked to use the hiring manager's phone. She proceeded to fake a coughing fit as she called in sick to her boss."

Preparation Is Good Insurance

While it's unlikely you'll make mistakes as egregious as the ones above, it always helps to prepare before interviewing with a prospective employer. Here are five tips to help you make a good first impression:

* Do your homework. Before the interview, review the job description again and make sure you can describe how your skills and experience match the requirements of the open position.

* Come prepared. Bring extra copies of your resume -- printed on high-quality paper -- and a list of references to the interview. Also dress appropriately. Even if you're interviewing with a company that has a casual dress code, it's better to be slightly over-dressed than under-dressed.

* Know what to expect. In all likelihood, the hiring manager will ask you a host of standard questions, such as "Why do you want to work for this firm?" and "What makes you right for this role?" Practice your responses to these queries with a friend at home so you can provide clear and concise answers.

* Have the right attitude. Be confident during the interview but not arrogant. Also consider your body language. Making eye contact with the interviewer and nodding your head in agreement shows you're engaged; slouching in your chair indicates you're bored.

* Follow up. Sending a thank-you note after the interview may seem old-fashioned, but hiring managers always appreciate receiving one. A brief message thanking the person for his or her time and reaffirming your interest in the role shows your professionalism and desire for the job.

Above all, be yourself when interviewing with a prospective employer. Companies seek workers who not only have the skills to perform the job but also the personality to thrive within the corporate culture.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.

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Send Your Job Search on a Summer Vacation

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


You want to take a vacation, but you feel guilty for abandoning your job search. Why not combine the two?

If you can find some time (and your search isn't dire), there are ways that even a budget-conscious job seeker can pick up some skills, make new contacts, or glean new knowledge. Consider it a crash course in your job or industry of choice. You can make your job search your summer vacation.

Take a Tour

Trying to break into a particular industry? Go on a fact-finding mission: Opportunities abound to tour manufacturing facilities, corporate offices, and industry centers. Many large manufacturers offer public tours. Find a facility in the industry you're interested in at Factory Tours USA (factorytoursusa.com).

Tours are daily business at many breweries, wineries, and food manufacturing plants. Looking for work in television or film production? Tour CNN Studios or Warner Bros. Studios. If you've got a nose for news, you can see newspapers roll off the presses at The Seattle Times.

Many tours are free, but not all. Always call ahead to find out how much a tour costs, if reservations are required and, when traveling with the tykes in tow, if children are allowed.

Visit the Capital

Plan a trip to the capital of the industry in which you're looking for work.

If you're interested in government work, you may want to start in Washington, D.C. But you can also visit your state capital, which may be easier and more cost-effective.

Into advertising? Blow into the Windy City (Chicago). Is big-time finance your bag? Take a bite out of the Big Apple. Into entertainment? Head for Hollywood.

Set up some informational interviews in advance. Industry publications and company directories can help you determine who holds jobs in which you're interested. Next, contact people to explain that you're visiting and are interested in an informational interview.

You'll gain lots of insider information, have a familiarity with the "heart" of your chosen industry and perhaps make a lasting connection with someone who's well connected. Try to arrange to take tours or attend a relevant conference too.

Volunteer Vacation

There's a do-good getaway for almost any budget.

Volunteer vacations can be related to a career you're pursuing or a way to network with people from different walks of life. You can participate in vital humanitarian and preservation projects across the country, around the world, or even in your own backyard.

In you want to stay close to home, Habitat for Humanity builds simple, affordable houses in partnership with those who lack adequate shelter. You may even find yourself hammering side by side with a CEO or a celebrity.

Are exotic locales beckoning you? Help build communities, conserve landscapes or provide care while gaining skills. Most programs will match your interests, background and skills with your assignment and allow you to stretch some new muscles in your field. Visit the Care Corps (careusa.org/getinvolved/volunteer/) for more information.

Vocation Vacations

"Vocation vacations" are the gold standard for gleaning new skills on holiday.

They're ideal if you've had a hankering for a completely different career and can't make a dramatic switch or commitment right now. Vocation vacations allow you to see a job for what it really is. You'll get to do the fun stuff as well as the dirty work.

The company Vocation Vacations (vocationvacations.com) arranges for people to pursue their dream jobs while under the attentive eye of a mentor.

If you're intrigued by a vocation vacation but find it financially implausible, create your own. Ask someone who has your dream job if you can work with him for free -- even for a day. An understaffed innkeeper, for instance, might be open to the idea of having an extra pair of hands to make beds linens in exchange for letting you see how a bed-and-breakfast is run.

After all, there's no reason why you can't vacation and look for a job at the same time.

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The Art of Being Assertive. Your Job Advancement May Depend on It

by Denene Brox, for Yahoo! HotJobs


There are many factors that contribute to your career success, but one that's often overlooked is the art of being an assertive employee. If your idea of standing out as a good employee is to simply show up everyday and do the work put in front of you, you are losing out on many opportunities to advance your career and earnings potential.

"Assertiveness is the balance between being mousy and being aggressive," says career coach Cheryl Palmer. "It is standing up for yourself, but not at the expense of others."

For some, striking that balance may mean not being so harsh and bold. For others, it means stepping up and asking for what you want. Palmer says that taking an honest, introspective look at yourself is the first step to measuring your level of assertive self-expression.

So in what areas of your career is it crucial to become assertive? Following are three key areas where assertiveness pays.

Salary

"Being assertive can earn you more money throughout your career," says Palmer. "I have seen many clients lose thousands of dollars because they are not assertive enough to negotiate salary or speak up and ask for a raise. Women in particular tend to have issues with assertiveness when it comes to money."

Career coaches agree that if you're waiting for your boss to notice your contributions and reward you with higher pay, you're losing out. Dee C. Marshall, a career and life coach, says to put your request for a raise in writing, outlining all of your achievements, and ask for a meeting with your boss to discuss. "You must go confidently and ask. No one is going to hand you anything," says Marshall.

Meetings

"Meetings are the perfect situation to be assertive," says career coach Rebecca Kiki Weingarten. "It can be an opportunity for you to shine and show your stuff."

Using meetings to share your creative ideas and solutions to problems will help you stand out in front of key leaders. Weingarten points out that even asking the right questions in a meeting is being assertive.

"One of my clients was promoted to vice president of the company just because he contributed in meetings," says Palmer. "He had been at a much lower level in the organization, but his contributions were so salient that upper management saw his potential and promoted him. He ended up making six figures."

Setting Boundaries

If your coworkers are driving you crazy or bullying you around, it's time to put good boundaries in place. Palmer says that there are a lot of workplace bullies, and being assertive allows you to set limits without being becoming a bully yourself.

Learning to say "No" to projects when your own workload is full is an important skill for employees at all levels. Saying "No" is the hardest mode of assertiveness for some people, says Palmer.

"Assertiveness training can be beneficial not only for people's careers, but in their personal lives as well," she concludes "People who want to feel good about themselves and their work need to be assertive."

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Philanthropy as a Strategy for Getting Ahead

by Debra B. Davenport, for Yahoo! HotJobs


We've all heard that it's better to give than to receive and that we get by giving -- but did you know these adages are especially true when it comes to your career?

For those who feel especially fulfilled by giving back and reaching out to those less fortunate, your worthy efforts can also make a meaningful contribution to your professional development. Following are ideas that might spur your to action.

Volunteer

Volunteering provides an excellent opportunity to "try on" a new job or career to see if it fits. If you're pondering a career change, take a volunteer role in the types of positions you're investigating. Considering a new career in public relations? Volunteer to write a press release for a nonprofit's PR department.

Looking into teaching careers? Volunteer in a community outreach and educational program and help deliver seminars to those in need. Most charitable organizations offer an abundance of possibilities for people looking to build new skills, develop contacts and investigate new career paths.

Be Strategic

Strategic philanthropy can put you in the power seat. Of course you want to support those organizations that have special meaning to you. But you don't have to limit the scope of your involvement. For example, don't be shy about offering to serve on boards of directors. Often, charitable organizations are hard-pressed to find dedicated people to help lead their efforts.

Contact the current chairperson and inquire if a board position will be coming available. If so, express your interest in serving and perhaps suggest a lunch meeting to start building that relationship. Alternatively, volunteer to spearhead a committee or major project. Everyone involved will naturally be contacting you. This is a great strategy for putting yourself out there and helping people get to know you and your talents.

What Are You Good At?

Sharing your natural abilities can take your career to the next level. Do you have great people and sales skills? Raise money! You can gain considerable media coverage and cachet in the professional arena by generating noteworthy donations. Make note of your community's "heavy hitters." Some of the most notable people in your area may have achieved their status through fundraising for their favorite charities.

Keep in mind, too, that as a fundraising representative for your favorite cause, you now have a legitimate reason to contact key people whom you may not have felt comfortable approaching before. Successful fundraising is also often acknowledged through a variety of awards programs. Imagine how gratifying it would feel to be honored with an award for your selfless efforts!

Generosity Opens Doors

One more tip: Although it's not widely talked about, many high-powered philanthropic positions are "pay to play." You either need to make a significant donation, or you need to raise substantial funds in order to have the opportunity to network in the more exclusive circles. Be discreet when inquiring about an organization's upper echelon and remember that, first and foremost, you're there to serve.

The caveat: It goes without saying that true altruism comes from the heart and a genuine spirit of giving -- anything less is merely self-serving.

Debra Davenport is president of DavenportFolio, a licensed firm with offices in Phoenix and Los Angeles that provides high-level career counseling and Certified Professional Mentoring to professionals and entrepreneurs. She is the creator of the Certified Professional Mentor(R) designation, and you can contact her at debra@davenportfolio.com.

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Sample Cover Letter (Copywriter)

by Vault.com


The following is a sample cover letter from an aspiring copywriter. Use this example as a starting point for ideas on building your own cover letter.


November 8, 2003

Art Director
Polymer Productions
Fax (817) 482-9025

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am writing in response to your advertisement in the Columbia Journal Classifieds for a copywriter. I am a copywriter with 8 years experience conceptualizing and producing engaging copy for catalogs, annual reports, brochures and all types of collateral material. Besides this my writing abilities have helped me create original works of art for clients like Mead Coated Papers and Oxford Healthcare. I am well-versed on both in MS Word and WordPerfect, on both Macintosh platforms.

Much of my work has been crafted for the following clients:

    * Macmillan Reference Library
    * Watson Guptill Publications
    * Mead Coated Papers
    * Cambridge Healthcare
    * W.W. Norton
    * Hawaii University Press
    * Arcade Fashion & Lifestyle Magazine

I have confidence in my ability to produce powerful, gripping copy for your organization. My experience allows me to complete any project from concept to the final stages at a fast pace to meet deadlines, and to package it for the World Wide Web.

I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Raleigh Collins

Vault.com is the Internet's leading destination for career advice and insider company information. Vault offers continually updated "insider" information with its exclusive employee surveys on over 5,000 companies.

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Networking in the Web 2.0 World

by Ronald Mitchell, for Yahoo! HotJobs


According to LinkedIn, a business social networking site, I have 541,900 people in my network.

I am certain that I don't actually know that many people, but the wonders of social networking have enabled each of us to build networks of this scale. Because Web 2.0 has given us access to a limitless number of people, networking becomes less a function of who you know and more a matter of who knows you.

To be an effective Web 2.0 networker, you must act as your own personal public relations director. In order to be recognized among thousands of possible connections, you must craft and communicate an image for yourself as if you were a premier consumer brand like Coke, Disney, or American Express. In a world where information and people are one click away, positive results from a Google or Yahoo! search on your name can be much more powerful than a handshake or short conversation.

Below are three tips you should employ when networking in a Web 2.0 world.

Highlight Your Successes

Everyone loves a winner. If you can demonstrate that you are one, you will find that people will be helpful to you, despite the fact that they have never met you. However, their level of assistance is often based upon what they can infer from information readily available on the web. Consequently, highlighting your successes in online profiles becomes essential.

Your success may take the form of attending a great university, working for a premier company, or achieving recognition within some extracurricular activity. Don't worry about being perceived as a braggart. The more highlights you can provide the better, including recommendations from business associates and listings of awards and accolades.

Show the Right Relationships

Transparency is the rule in Web 2.0. Through an online profile, virtual strangers can often view intimate information about you and your network. If you have the "right" individuals in your network, you may find that people want to know you simply because of who you know.

When building your connections, spend less time accumulating the greatest number of "friends" and focus on showing the right ones. You should be certain to include two types of people: those who are decision-makers in their specific discipline, and those who have unique access to information and other individuals.

Providing Regular Updates

Public relations is about communication. Your Web 2.0 communication should regularly provide your network with updates on all aspects of your career. Updates may include switching jobs, changing geography, or closing certain deals. If possible, you should craft these updates in a way that conveys how people might be helpful to you.

Be descriptive in your updates. For instance, "Moved to Chicago for new opportunity" is not as effective as "Moved to Chicago to pursue business development opportunities in financial services."

With the Internet the world has changed, and so must your networking strategy. It's not all bad. Just think about how many painful cocktail parties you would need to attend to meet 541,900 people.

Ronald Mitchell is the co-founder and president of CareerCore LLC, a comprehensive career development web-based platform for students and young professionals.

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Nine Common Video Resume Mistakes

by Joe Turner, for Yahoo! HotJobs


A video resume could get your foot in the door of that "just right" company. Don't end up with egg on your face, though. Before you make that video, check out these nine common mistakes and how you can avoid each one.

1. It runs too long: Don't bore the hiring managers. Your video should be a short, inspiring pitch for looking at you as a candidate. Think "Less is more." Keep it under two minutes; preferably about one minute should get your message across.

2. You don't know who you are: Prepare your "elevator pitch" before you record. Commonly known as a USP, or Unique Selling Proposition, this is a one-sentence pitch that tells the single biggest benefit that you bring to a potential employer.

Here is an example: "I'm a seasoned sales manager whose strength in creative sales and marketing techniques generated $500,000 in brand-new revenue for my employer in 12 months."

3. Thinking a video resume is your resume on video: Contrary to its name, a video resume is NOT a resume. It's a 30- to 60-second ad spot to entice your viewers to look at your (digital) resume and find out more about you.

4. Rambling on camera: Put it on paper first. Think of what you want to say about yourself. Write it down in short sentences then say it aloud. Replace any syntax problems or phrases that are hard to enunciate clearly. You speak differently than you write, so keep it in a conversational tone as if you were speaking to your real-life interviewer a few feet away.

5. Too many "ums and ahs": Don't wing it. Your finished product should be compelling. This is the most professional image you want to present, so prepare ahead of time and memorize your script. This won't be hard, since it should only be about a half to three quarters of a page in length and only cover a few simple points. Remember, you won't have notes in the interview room, either.

6. Severe case of "serious face": Have a bit of fun with it. You want to project enthusiasm. Think "upbeat" and smile when you look into the camera. Imagine that you are meeting with a flesh and blood hiring manager at a great company who already likes what she sees.

7. Giving far too much information: Remember the "KISS" formula (Keep It Simple, Stupid). You want to whet their appetites to know more. Give them just enough info to tantalize them. End with an invitation to check out even more interesting information on your resume.

8. Uninviting appearance: Remember, a video resume is a type of interview, so dress the part. Give the appearance of someone in the role you're applying for. You will also have some background showing on the video. Make sure it's not your dirty laundry or the clutter of your bedroom. Try standing against a relatively bare wall. You want them looking at you and not what's behind you.

9. Too many "clowns": No arms folded or hands on hips. While it's OK to use your hands to accentuate, watch out for those "clowns." These are what acting coaches call unnecessary arm movements which, on playback, tend to make you appear like a clown. You don't want unintentional laughs. Keep your arms and hands by your side as much as possible.

As a recruiter, Joe Turner has spent the past 15 years finding and placing top candidates in some of the best jobs of their career. Author of "Job Search Secrets Unlocked," Joe has been interviewed on several radio talk shows. Discover more insider job search secrets by visiting his site.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career Opportunity

Tips for a Safer Job Search

by Yahoo! HotJobs


Yahoo! HotJobs strives to provide you with the widest range of job opportunities available online. Unfortunately, fraudulent job listings might appear from time to time. Posting fraudulent jobs violates Yahoo! HotJobs' Terms of Service and might be a violation of federal or state law.

To protect yourself from fraud, Yahoo! HotJobs encourages you to:

• Make informed decisions before sharing your Social Security Number with a potential employer. Most employers will not ask for personal information until you arrive at their offices for an interview and are given a formal job application, so be wary if you are asked to give your Social Security Number by phone, email, or online.
• If you have doubts about a company's legitimacy, research the company using web sites operated by the Better Business Bureau and the United States Federal Trade Commission.
• Refrain from providing credit card or bank account numbers or engaging in any financial transactions over the phone or online with a potential employer/recruiter.
• Withhold offering personal information (such as marital status, age, height, weight). Such questions might violate federal hiring standards, and job seekers are not obligated to answer them.
• Exercise caution when dealing with prospective job contacts outside of the United States.* If you suspect that a job posting is fraudulent, please contact Yahoo! HotJobs.

If you think information about you might have been used illegally, report the details to your local police immediately and contact Yahoo! HotJobs.

To learn more about protecting yourself from fraudulent job postings, please consult the following resources:

    * Better Business Bureau
    * U.S. Federal Trade Commission

To get more information about protecting your online privacy, visit the Yahoo! Security Center.

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Bolster Your Resume With a Career Record

by Peter Weddle, for Yahoo! HotJobs

Most of us spend the majority of our waking day at work, and the only record we have of that time and effort is a resume. We invest inordinate amounts of energy and emotion in our employment and memorialize that commitment in a document that is often out-of-date and incomplete. When we rely on a resume alone to manage our careers and celebrate our success -- we sell ourselves short.

In my view, all of us should maintain two employment-related documents: a resume and something I call a career record. What's the difference? Take a look below.

Your Resume

    * It's normally written and/or updated only when you are actively looking for a job.

    * Its purpose is to sell you to an employer by describing what you've done in the past that might be useful to the organization in the future.

    * Writing it is about as much fun as getting a root canal.

Your Career Record

    * It's written continuously and reviewed quarterly. Think of it as a diary of your progress and your success in the world of work.

    * Its purposes are (1) to help you recognize and celebrate your career victories (i.e., your achievements at work) and (2) to determine if your career is in good shape or in need of an overhaul. In other words, a career record is written for you and describes what you've done for yourself.

    * Keeping a career record is a fulfilling and self-motivating experience. It enables you to pat yourself on the back regularly (or give yourself a pep talk, if that's what is necessary) and set your sights on new goals at work that will lead you to additional career victories.

Now, I know what you're thinking: it's hard enough to write a resume and keep it current, so why am I'm proposing that you double the effort? Because, in addition to being a personal pat on the back (which is, itself, the foundation of a healthy career), a career record can also make writing a resume infinitely easier.

Customize Your Resume

In the past, recruiters were willing to accept a generic resume from job seekers, as long as you were applying for positions within the same industry and/or career field. They knew how hard it was to produce even a single version of that document, so all they asked was that you include a cover letter to highlighted those aspects of your record that were important for their particular opening.

Today, unfortunately, that kind of flexibility is gone. Thanks to the Internet, recruiters are receiving hundreds, often thousands of resumes for a single opening. They simply don't have the time to read between the lines and ferret out your qualifications for their opportunity. Moreover, recruiters know that your resume has been produced on a word processor where it can be easily and quickly modified. As a result, they now expect your resume, itself, to be tailored to the specific requirements of their opening and your cover letter to reinforce its key points.

Two Tailoring Approaches

    * One is to customize your generic resume. You simply add a little more detail to those points in the resume that are important to an opening, and subtract detail from or delete altogether those points that aren't important. While this approach can be relatively quick and easy, it is also likely to under-represent your qualifications. Instead of picking the best of your background for a position, you're nipping and tucking at what's immediately available.

    * The second is to tailor your resume from the bottom up. Admittedly, that would be a difficult and time-consuming task if you had to sit down and start from scratch. But you don't; your career record is a complete and up-to-date inventory of your skills, expertise, and experience. It enables you to pull out all of the factors that are most important to winning the job you want and to incorporate those factors in your resume quickly and easily.

A resume remains the lingua franca of job-search success in the world of work. For a resume to communicate your credentials effectively, however, it must be tailored to the specific requirements of a position vacancy. A career record enables you to accomplish that tailoring to your best advantage.

Peter Weddle is an author, recruiter, and HR consultant. He also runs the Weddle's career resource site.

Jobs Info , Career Sources , Employment

Learning the Rules for Raises

by Margaret Steen, for Yahoo! HotJobs


You've been working hard earning praise from your boss and co-workers. So when will those kind words translate into more money? To find out, start by arming yourself with facts -- about how your company works and the strength of the labor market.

A Complex Equation

U.S. companies will increase their overall salary budgets by 3.9 percent in 2008, the same as in 2007, according to the WorldatWork Salary Budget Survey. The salary budget is the total amount of money a company has for merit increases or cost of living adjustments.

How large a raise you can expect -- and when -- can depend on many factors beyond whether you're performing well: your company's culture, its financial performance, and how much you make compared with your peers, for example.

Get Details from the Boss

It's always a good idea to have a general talk with your boss about how and when raises are handed out. "Good bosses would be very open to having that conversation," said Gail Ginder, a leadership coach in Healdsburg, California. Ask what it takes to get a raise, when decisions on raises are made, and how you can find out if you're on track.

"They really need to find out what it is they can expect," Ginder said. Even changing bosses within one company can mean a different set of criteria, if the company gives managers a lot of latitude in awarding increases. If your boss doesn't know, someone in human resources should be able to answer your questions.

Every Employer Is Unique

Bear in mind, though, that some companies are more organized than others when it comes to pay increases. Some simply give everyone average raises, said Shari Dunn, managing principal of CompAnalysis, a compensation and HR consulting firm in Oakland, California. Others are trying to move away from giving everyone an annual increase and instead look at whether you're being paid what the market says your work is worth.

At many companies, raises depend on a mix of your performance and how much you make compared with others doing the same job. You may find that if you're nearing the top of the pay bracket for your position, you'll need to earn a promotion to get a raise.

For example, Dunn said, an average performer who is paid an average salary for employees at that level would get an average raise, but an average performer who was paid near the top of the company's range for his or her job would likely get less. A top performer who is paid less than others in the same job could be in line for a larger-than-average raise.

"The linkage to performance is sometimes tenuous," Dunn said.

Demonstrate Your Value

While you're asking your boss to explain how raise decisions are made, should you also ask for a raise? Again, it's important to know how your employer operates.

Large, traditional companies and government agencies often use clearly defined processes to determine raises, and asking for more money mid-year will just make you seem out of place. On the other hand, more entrepreneurial companies may be more open to requests for raises -- as long as they're backed up by solid data about your performance and what it's worth, not just a list of things you'd like to buy if you had more money.

"Employers like ambitious employees, especially if they're good performers," Dunn said.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Employment