5 Tips on Web Site Building and Web Stats

By Devin Jopp, SCORE COO

 

The most basic Web site services are free services. These services are easy to use, but limited in the amount of space and bandwidth. They typically also place advertisements on your site to offset their cost.

 

The next step up are services that charge a monthly fee. In exchange, you get a greater amount of space, bandwidth and no advertisements. All of the domain registrars like Network Solutions and Go Daddy offer Web development solutions.

 

The next option, building your own Web site, provides the most flexibility. You can either build your own or hire a consultant to do it for you. Once you have selected your domain registrar and hosting company (ISP), you can begin programming your new Web site. Tools like Microsoft Front Page or Macromedia Dreamweaver provide a familiar Windows front-end that automatically generates html code and allows you to click and drag items in order to create your Web site. Or, you can hire a Web design firm to do this for you.

 

 Get bids for Web site development at www.elance.com. Simply post your requirements and wait for the bids to come in, or get estimates from firms in your city.

 

Analyze your Web traffic and track statistics. Google Analytics offers a free web analytic solution. StatCounter is a free package you access by logging in and copying code into your Web site. You can also buy an off-the-shelf package like Webtrends that is installed on the server and tracks critical stats like the number of visitors, highest ranked pages, etc. Many of the site builder tools mentioned earlier also provide options for tracking Web stats.

Brought to you by SCORE, America's small business mentors, at www.score.org.
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5 Tips for Taking Your Small Business Online

1. Your product line should be able to be delivered economically and conveniently through the mail or over the Internet.
2. The Web allows you to market to customers outside your geographical location. Your product should appeal to people nation-or-continent-wide.
3. Compare new “technology” costs to current bricks and mortar costs, e.g.: rent, labor, inventory and printing costs.
4. Realize that the World Wide Web levels the playing ground—you can look like a big company with a great Web site. 
5. Draw visitors to your site cheaply. Establish and grow alliances that will hotlink to your site for free.

Brought to you by SCORE, America's small business mentors, at www.score.org.
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How You Can Leverage a Layoff

Jobless? Take This Opportunity to Start Your Own Business
by Dennis Romero, Entrepreneur.com


Diane Lindquist is a four-decade veteran of journalism and an expert on the trade economy of the U.S.-Mexico border. When the San Diego Union-Tribune offered her a buyout in January 2007, after nearly 30 years at the newspaper, she saw the writing on the wall: Older, higher-paid reporters were being shown the door in the name of cost savings. But she also saw opportunity: Where would her readers turn for institutional knowledge and in-depth analysis about the border business scene?

Lindquist decided to take the buyout cash and start her own news operation,mexbiznews.com. The site, launched in the fall of 2008, aggregates outside content but also offers original reports aimed at American investors who are interested in Mexican trade and industry. Advertising has so far been scarce, but Lindquist has found a niche -- and it's pretty much all her own.

"I realized I was offering a one-stop shop for all daily Mexico business news as well as the original reporting I'm doing," she says. "I still think people out there want news, it's just a matter of figuring out a way of how to deliver it."

The path she took -- using her expertise to spin off an independent, entrepreneurial version of her corporate gig -- is a popular one these days. With national unemployment now at 7.6 percent (January 2009) and industries ranging from publishing to transportation to manufacturing shedding jobs by the thousands, many in the out-of-work sector are exploring startups that lie close to home.

The transition from worker bee to lonely boss is never easy, but experts say that there's a history of successful endeavors that were started in a down economy. Workers can take advantage of buyouts, severance packages, and cashed-in 401(k)s. They can translate their experience in bureaucratic operations to more efficient, service-oriented companies. And some, at least, will become financially independent in the process.

"It's not going to be easy to find employment right now," says UC Santa Cruz economics professor Rob Fairlie. "So, in that sense, it's not a bad time to come up with an idea for a business."

In conducting research for his 2008 book, "Race and Entrepreneurial Success," Fairlie discovered that novice business owners who came from jobs dealing in "similar goods and services" were as much as 40 percent more successful with startups than those who were winging it in an unknown field. "It's the classic American Dream that 'I can just do anything I want,'" he says, "but the reality is it's important to know how to do things. You need those skills."

In the ailing field of journalism, where advertising dollars and eyeballs continue to migrate online, laid-off reporters are taking their old beats and turning them into highly focused, web-based blogs and communities. Many have yet to see the kind of ad income that can replace their old salaries, but most are confident that the income and audiences will materialize.

"You have to do a lot of hustling, you have to do a lot of marketing," says Mark Glaser, executive editor of the PBS-run site MediaShift. "Those are skills that journalists don't have and aren't normally taught in journalism school."

Of course, that's changing. Glaser notes that recently launched courses at UC Berkeley and the City University of New York explore entrepreneurial journalism. Both the Knight Digital Media Center at Berkeley and the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Fla., also offer seminars, workshops, and classes in digital journalism. And late last year, Six Apart, the company behind TypePad blogging software and hosting, began offering free services to laid-off journalists.

Kevin Bronson was let go as an entertainment editor in 2008 after nearly two decades at the Los Angeles Times. He started the paper's first music blog, Buzz Bands, and he made it independent last year. Bronson goes out six nights a week to chronicle Los Angeles' indie rock scene -- something he did while at the Times. The result is that he's got a lock on his topic, and though advertising is slow going, investment was minimal. And the tech learning curve, at least for him, has been nil. It's easy, Bronson says. Journalists just have to adjust their mind-sets.

"Old-school journalists have to broaden their perception of what constitutes content," he says. "For my blog, I hesitate to do a post without a photo, music download or video."

Less Clear Transitions

Workers in other industries might find the transition from worker bee to business owner less cut and dried. Michigan's auto industry is reeling from revenue losses experienced by the Big Three car makers. The industry accounts for 70 percent of the 33,000 manufacturing jobs lost in the state in 2007 and 2008, according to the University of Michigan. The problem is, with demand for cars at historic lows, it's hard even for laid-off workers with unique skills to find a niche in a shrinking market.

Robert Wiseman, professor of management at Michigan State University's Eli Broad College of Business, says, "It's a difficult road to be an entrepreneur in this industry." Even so, he says, there are some paths, including taking managerial, technical and manufacturing skills to other sectors. For example, an accountant laid off from General Motors could establish her own bookkeeping firm and offer her services to companies in more robust fields.

Meanwhile the service industry, home of those jobs no one seems to want to do, has plenty of opportunity for enterprising entrepreneurs who don't mind getting their hands dirty, says Bob Shepherd, district director of the Central North Florida chapter of small business nonprofit advisory group SCORE. He implores the idle to start landscaping, painting, car-washing and housecleaning businesses by soliciting work door-to-door if they have to. If business takes off, entrepreneurs can hire crews and take a seat managing the startup, he says.

And career coach Hallie Crawford, author of "Flying Solo: Career Transition Tips for Singles," says the world is your oyster if you can offer virtual services to the next entrepreneur.

"I have a marketing consultant, and I've never met her," Crawford says. Accounting, personal assistant and web-design startups are hot fields and require a computer, a phone, some software, and almost zero startup funds, she says.

"Were you a financial officer or an administrative assistant at your job?" Crawford says. "Almost anything you did in an office, you can do virtually. You need business cards, maybe a website. The only catch is marketing. While it's a low cost to start, you have to be assertive and proactive."

Greg Digneo is a laid-off product manager who recently decided to start up a Web-based company that will essentially pair up laid-off workers-turned-entrepreneurs who have goods and services to offer each other. (He also vowed to spend $500 on the endeavor, which he documented on his blog morecaffeineplease.com.)

"If you're a startup with $1,000 budgeted for marketing, the chances are you're not going to be able to hire a marketing firm," the 26-year-old New Jersey resident explains, "but you can hire someone who's a marketing expert who's been recently laid off."

So far, Digneo says he's putting 10 to 12 hours a day into his project and loving every minute of it: "Now I get to do something I really wanted to do."

Transition Tips

Our experts offer five tips for making the transition from jobless to proprietor:

1. Stay in your field. Entrepreneurs who come from jobs dealing in "similar goods and services" as their startups are 40 percent more likely to survive, according to UC Santa Cruz economics professor Rob Fairlie. Expertise has its rewards.

2. Market yourself. It might be easy to run a virtual business such as a personal assistant service or bookkeeping via laptops and mobile phones, but you'll get no business if no one knows you exist. Professional networking, well-designed websites and proper business cards are a must, says Hallie Crawford, author of Flying Solo: Career Transition Tips for Singles.

3. Keep business hours. If you're starting an endeavor from home, it's easy to forget that you're at work. Keeping regular hours, creating workspace, and dressing for the job can keep you focused. Greg Digneo, for example, is a laid-off product manager who works 10- to 12-hour days at home in his effort to start up a website-based business that will connect entrepreneurs. But "you can start to feel really isolated" working alone at home, says Crawford, so schedule regular breaks, meetings and even meals outside.

4. Get your numbers sorted. Businesses don't grow from water and sunlight. Even minimal operations from home will take planning and spreadsheets. Bigger endeavors will require serious money. Think ahead before you're in the red. You might need as little as a $5,000 personal loan, for example, for web hosting, design services and marketing. "We're advising people to slow down and work on their resources," says Michael L. Keaton, spokesman for the small business nonprofit advisory group SCORE.

5. Find a niche. Stay in your field of expertise, yes. But narrow it down. What can you start up that no one else has thought of? Where are the openings in the market or audience? Journalists who make the transition from corporate print to online publisher, for example, "have to have a topic, a niche and have the ability to work on their own," says Mark Glaser, executive editor of the PBS-run site MediaShift.

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10 Great Part-Time Jobs With Benefits

by Michelle Goodman, PayScale.com


Contrary to popular belief, working a part-time job doesn't mean you have to forego those almighty benefits.

A number of part-time vocations come with subsidized health insurance coverage, paid vacation days, retirement matching, corporate discounts, and more. You just have to know where to look.

Often, part-time employees must work at least 20 to 30 hours a week to be eligible for company benefits. And some companies won't cough up the health-care and financial perks until you've been an employee for 3, 6, or 12 months. Still, a benefits package is a benefits package, no matter how you get it.

Whether you're a stay-at-home parent returning to the workforce, a college student in need of extra income, or an office worker who's grown weary of the 60-hour-a-week grind, there's probably a part-time job with benefits out there for you.

1. Package handler. Do you have a strong back and an aversion to offices? Then you might get a lot of mileage out of loading and unloading packages at a UPS warehouse in one of the 90 cities the shipping carrier serves. Part-timers must work a minimum of 15 hours a week and wait 12 months before being eligible for benefits. But the company fully funds your health insurance premiums and offers tuition reimbursement for part-timers who take harder-to-fill shifts. Median wage: $11 to $12 per hour.*

2. Barista. Pacific Northwest-based Tully's Coffee serves up some pretty rich perks to the part-time baristas who work in its Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, and Arizona retail locations. Employees who put in at least 17.5 hours are eligible for sick pay, a 401(k) savings plan, a limited health plan, dental insurance, legal services, and a slew of discounts. On top of those perks, baristas who work at least 24 hours a week are eligible for medical insurance (including PPO and HSA offerings), disability insurance, and holiday and vacation pay. Median wage: $8.45 per hour.

3. Test prep tutor. Do you enjoy working with students? If you have some teaching experience and know your way around standardized tests, working as a classroom instructor or private tutor can be a great way to parlay your skills into a part-time job with flexible hours and health benefits. Companies like Kaplan regularly hire instructors and tutors to guide teens and adults through the test preparation process -- from the SATs to grad school admissions testing to professional certification exams. Median wage: $12.22 per hour.

4. Customer service representative. If you're a people person who's good on the phone, working as a call center rep might be the gig for you. Not only do many of these jobs lend themselves to flexible, part-time shifts, more and more companies are hiring customer service reps to work from their own home.Keep in mind that, to qualify for these positions, you must have a reliable computer and Internet connection. Median wage: $11.16 per hour.

5. Computer software test/quality assurance analyst. Are you the person everyone comes to when their latest software purchase has them stumped? Then why not put your tech savvy to work? Software companies -- notorious for their flexible schedules (including part-time hours) and generous benefits -- always need people to test their creations before they ship. Note: A two-year or four-year computing degree or prior programming experience likely will be required. Median wage: $18.84 per hour.

6. Sales clerk/cashier. If you think working for a grocery store takes you out of the running for subsidized health care, you're wrong. Employees of Whole Foods who work at least 30 hours a week and have put in at least 800 hours with the supermarket chain benefit from the company's fully funded health care plan. Plus, the longer they're with the company, the more paid days off employees receive for vacation, holidays, and personal time. And after a year with the company, part-time employees are eligible for a 401(k) plan and a 20 percent discount on all store items. Median wage: $8.16 per hour.

7. Bus driver. Don't want to work in an office or a retail location? With a valid driver's license and a squeaky-clean driving record, you can try your hand at driving a bus for a living. Not only are the schedules flexible, healthcare benefits and paid-time off are frequently included. In King County in Washington State, after completing a 26-day paid training program, drivers who work at least 12.5 hours a week are eligible for the county's healthcare package, paid vacation days, and sick leave. And after seven months on the job, part-time drivers are eligible for the county's retirement plan. Median wage: $12.80 per hour.

8. Medical assistant. Not only is health care one of the most recession-proof fields out there, it's known for offering more than its share of part-time employment options -- complete with health benefits and paid time off. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks medical assistants as one of the fastest growing careers today. Sixty-two percent of medical assistants work in doctor's offices, performing a variety of administrative tasks. While some medical assistants learn on the job, many come to the field with a one-year or two-year degree. Median wage: $11.26 per hour.

9. Domestic worker. Like the general public but don't like the hustle and bustle of public places? Then you might like working in a private home as a part-time nanny or house cleaner. In Seattle, the agency A Nanny for You places domestic workers with families, some of whom provide monthly health-care stipends that workers can apply to their own health insurance costs. Plus, the pet waste removal franchise DoodyCalls, which boasts 40 U.S. locations, offers health coverage to employees who have been with the company 30 days and work at least 30 hours a week scooping Fido's backyard droppings. Median wage: $13 to $17 per hour.**

10. Temporary office assistant. As companies struggle to operate with leaner budgets this year, they're more likely to hire temps to handle pressing projects than add another staff member to their payroll. And while you won't catch any company doling out benefits to its temps, the agencies that hire these project-based workers frequently offer such perks. Case in point: Express Employment Professionals, a temp agency with 600 offices in four countries that offers its administrative, industrial, and professional temps health coverage the moment they're placed on their first assignment. After working the requisite number of hours (varies from branch to branch), Express temps also are eligible for holiday pay, a 401(k) program, and computer and job skills training. Median wage: $10.50 per hour.


Michelle Goodman is author of "The Anti 9-to-5 Guide: Practical Career Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube" and "My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire."

Source: Salary data from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, hourly salaries for part-time workers with 1-2 years of experience and do not include any bonuses, commissions, or profit sharing.
* Salary data from UPS.
** Salary data from DoodyCalls.


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6 Ways to Prevent Office Injury

by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs


It's not just the most physically demanding jobs that can lead to serious injuries. Working with a seemingly harmless mouse and keyboard can cause chronic injuries just as easily as hauling a load of cement. In fact, repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel affect hundreds of thousands of American workers a year, and lead to tens of billions of dollars annually in workers comp claims, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Nelson Liu, a certified acupuncturist in Los Angeles, sees many of these disorders in his patients. "People who sit at desks and work on computers come to me with chronic pain in the shoulders, wrist, neck, and eyes, and they often result from the small, repetitive motions they do on the job every day," Liu tells Yahoo! HotJobs.

Common Injury Causes

The top culprits of what experts call repetitive strain disorders include:

* Sitting in an unnatural posture for a long time.

* Not allowing recovery time.

* Shallow breathing.

* Repetitive motions, such as using the phone, typing with bent wrists and using a mouse.

* Using force or pressure, such as pinching pens, gripping the mouse too hard, or pounding the keyboard.

Even emotional stress can lead to strain and pain. "People are particularly stressed out right now, and often emotional stress turns to physical stress, which turns to worse posture, which turns to pain, which turns to more stress," says Wendy Young, a certified ergonomist in Houston and author of the e-book, getinsideyourcomfortzone.com.

There are ways to break the vicious circle, and they don't necessarily require the most expensive office chair or expert intervention, according to Tony Biafore, an ergonomics expert president of Ergonetics. "A lot of companies think they can solve ergonomics problems with a one-size-fits-all approach, or by buying the most expensive keyboards or office chairs," Biafore says. "Fancy ergonomic equipment is worthless if you don't identify how you're using them."

Decrease the Risk Factors

To avoid pain and possibly chronic problems, ergonomics experts recommend several ways of developing a low-risk working posture:

* Sit naturally. "Many people perch on their chair, lean forward, and tuck their feet under, especially when they're concentrating," Biafore said. Notice how you sit, and make adjustments to the chair or to your posture if any part of your body is experiencing tightness, strain, or pain.

* Type right. You shouldn't have to change your seated posture or angle your hands to type. The keyboard should come to you. If it doesn't, adjust your seating position, or ask for a keyboard tray.

* Check your viewpoint. Your eyes should naturally gaze at the middle of the computer screen. If you have to look up or down, move the display. This goes for placement of paper documents as well -- you shouldn't have to crane your neck to see them.

* Catch the mouse problem. If you have to reach for it, then your seated posture may be out of whack.

* Take breaks. You should get up about five minutes every hour to get out of your chair, get a drink, or just walk to the next cubicle. Young also recommended taking micro-breaks, of about 10 seconds every 15 minutes to rest your eyes and hands.

* Speak up. Report any problem to facilities, HR, or, if your company has one, an ergonomics specialist. If you've identified the problem as merely the need for a wrist pad, an adjustable chair, or a movable display, it's in the company's interest to comply.

Laptop computers present a special challenge because they require users to lean too far forward and reach for the keyboard, according to Biafore. If you can, use an external keyboard and a mouse, and prop up the screen to replicate an LED monitor, Biafore suggested.

Many changes can be small -- like adjusting the seat position or raising your arms off the desk -- and can be done without consulting an ergonomics expert. But remember that one change you make could throw off something else. "The work station should fit your body like a comfortable pair of shoes," Young said.

Making adjustments to your workstation requires paying close attention to your body. "Any kind of pain is a signal, and if you cover it up with medication, or even getting acupuncture, without addressing the underlying cause, it will only get worse," Liu said. "Ultimately the best doctor is yourself -- only you can figure out exactly what's not working and how to fix it."

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Could You Succeed as an Entrepreneur?

Look for These 7 Signs
by Richard Barrington, VendorSeek.com


Entrepreneurs have a knack for seeing opportunities where others don't. If you see 2009 as a good time to start a business despite the recession, then you may have an entrepreneurial perspective. Now you need to know if you have some of the other characteristics of successful entrepreneurs.

What helps entrepreneurs these days is that virtual business models put more emphasis on talent and less on administration and infrastructure. After all, e-commerce solutions can give you an instant retail presence, credit card processing services can handle your receivables, and equipment leasing can give you access to any machinery necessary with a minimal up-front investment.

So now all you need is the right set of skills and characteristics. Consider whether you have the following ingredients of successful entrepreneurship:

1. A stand-out talent. You should be able to identify at least one area of ability that makes you stand out from the crowd. This can be anything: technical expertise, sales skill, marketing insight, or logistical know-how. Since small businesses are talent-driven, you have to start out with the belief that you have the raw material with which to compete and succeed. It helps if your skills happen to be in areas with growing demand, such as health care or computer technology. If you have medical knowledge or a skill such as Web design, you may have a little wind at your back.
2. A differing perspective. "Me-too" businesses have a tough time making a mark, especially during a weak economy. Your business should be founded on the idea that there is a better way to do things. Ideally, you should have enough experience in your chosen industry to be familiar with the normal way business is done, and to have developed some unique insights as to how that can be improved. Being able to clearly articulate a differing perspective should be central to your business plan. In turn, it should also become the vision you communicate to everyone you hire, and the selling proposition you use to pitch potential customers.
3. A network of contacts. Experience is valuable not only for knowing how other companies do things, but also for helping you form a network that will get your new company up and running more quickly. Remember, people -- especially business-to-business customers -- can be reluctant to do business with a start-up. You should have some contacts who respect you enough personally to take a chance on your new business. Of course a network of contacts can also help you identify potential investors, suppliers, and talented employees.
4. A war chest. Don't start your venture unless you have identified sufficient funding to not only get started, but to keep your business running through the inevitable lean months at the beginning. Many businesses are forced to go under just as they would be starting to gain some momentum, simply because they underestimated the amount of time it would take for profits to start rolling in. Funding can be from your own savings, outside investors, or loans. Of course, external sources of funding are harder to come by in a recession, but you can use techniques such as equipment leasing and virtual offices to reduce the need for this type of funding.
5. An acceptance of risk. You should start any new business with a commitment to succeed, but an acceptance of the risk involved. Entrepreneurs are often people who are willing to trade a sure thing working for someone else for even a risky chance at running their own show.
6. An eye for complementary talent. Once you start hiring people, you should think in terms of rounding out the team rather than looking for people just like yourself. It can be a mistake to have too many would-be leaders in one organization. If you have an independent and visionary outlook, you might do well to complement that with a strong administrator who can take care of the details.
7. Persistence. Not only does it take a long time for a new business to gain traction, but entrepreneurs often don't succeed on their first try. As long as you have confidence in the first two items on this list -- your talent and your unique perspective on the business -- you should be willing to keep trying.

Richard Barrington is a freelance writer and novelist who previously spent over 20 years as an investment industry executive.

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How to Love the Job You Have

by Roberta Chinsky Matuson, for Yahoo! HotJobs
hotjobs.yahoo.com

Before we entered into this historic recession, it was easy to leave a job you didn't love. All you had to do was knock on the door of another employer and you could begin work the next week. Those days are gone and most likely will not return anytime soon. But that doesn't mean you have to be miserable in the job that you have.

Here are some tips on how to love the job you have:

Be Realistic

No one's life is perfect. Not even the lives of people who star on those sitcoms you watch. It is OK to have a bad day, week or even month at work. Just be sure the good days are far outweighing the bad.

Be Positive

Focus on what is going well at the office. Is your work still challenging? Could a promotion be in your future? Do you enjoy the people you work with? A "yes" to any of these questions means you have positive energy you can build upon.

Clear the Air

Sometimes it is one issue or person that makes a great job a not-so-great situation. If this is the case, then it is time to clear the air. Write down some examples of how this situation is impacting your ability to perform at an optimal level. Then share your findings with the person or people who are involved.

Don't Believe Everything People Say

It is human nature to boast or even exaggerate a bit. People around you may be saying they love their jobs, but in reality they may be in the same position as you: waiting for the next best thing to come along. Take what people are saying about their jobs with a grain of salt and focus on your own happiness.

This Doesn't Have to Be Forever

Right now it may feel like you have no choice but to keep this job forever. However, this won't be the case if you play your cards right. Use this recession as an opportunity to increase your options. Enroll in evening or online classes, volunteer to work on projects with high visibility and gain the experience you will need to move to a new place in your career. Who knows, this may just be the spark you need to reignite the flames of love again in the job you have.

Get a Life

Enjoying your work should only be one part of having a life that you love. If your job is the only thing that brings joy to your life, then perhaps it is time to focus on having a life outside of work. Look for opportunities to participate in activities that are of interest to you. Volunteer, take up a new sport or get a hobby. These are all great ways to build a life that you can love.

Copyright 2009 Human Resource Solutions. All rights reserved.


Roberta Chinsky Matuson is the President of Human Resource Solutions (www.yourhrexperts.com) and has been helping companies align their people assets with their business goals. Read her new blog on Generation Integration http://generationintegration.typepad.com/matuson/. She can be reached at Roberta@yourhrexperts.com.

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Bridge the Generation Gap with a Younger Boss

by Roberta Chinsky Matuson
hotjobs.yahoo.com


You're over 40, and your new boss is under 30. You're not alone. As seasoned workers continue to delay retirement, this scenario will become the rule rather than the exception. The situation might be an adjustment for you, so here are some tips to help you manage your relationship with your younger boss.

Give Your Boss a Chance

Get to know your boss before making assumptions that he or she isn't qualified. Who knows? You might even learn a thing or two from them.

Strive for Consensus

When conflict emerges, manage it before things implode. For example, your boss may measure performance partly based on face time. This is common among Generation X managers, who were born between 1965 and 1979. As a Baby Boomer (born between 1946 and 1964), you believe performance should be evaluated based on results. Speak to your boss about your concerns.

Look for the commonalities. You both would probably agree that completing tasks in a timely and cost-effective manner is what work is all about. You can then work towards aligning your differences to accomplish your mutually agreed-upon goals.

Be an Employee, Not a Parent

It's no secret that your new boss is young enough to be your child. Resist the urge to parent your boss. When asked, provide advice on business-related items only. Keep your suggestions brief, and avoid the trap of saying, "Well, in my experience?," because it might make your young boss feel inadequate.

Advice regarding personal matters, even if requested, should be avoided at all costs. This will help you avoid being viewed as a parental figure.

Manage Your Own Insecurities

Your boss has enough on his or her mind without having to deal with insecure employees. If you don't feel confident about a particular skill, ask for more training. On the other hand, if you happen to have proficiencies in areas needed by the company, gently inform your boss of your expertise.

Respect Communication Differences

Understand your manager's communication style and adapt your style accordingly. As a Baby Boomer, you may prefer to talk by phone or face to face. Most Gen Xers prefer e-mail. If your boss is a Millennial (born after 1980), a quick lesson in text messaging might be in order.

Be Open With Your Boss

Your boss may feel a bit threatened by your experience and knowledge. He or she may think you are waiting for them to make a mistake so you can take their job.

If you have little interest in your manager's position, tell him or her so. This approach will enable your boss to see you as an ally, rather than a predator.

If you are interested in moving up, seek your manager's assistance. Ask your boss to put together a development plan to help you transition to the next level. Remind your boss that companies are more apt to promote an employee if there is someone else in the organization who can take on his or her role.

As a subordinate, it's your job to be supportive of your boss. If you do your job well, he or she might soon be promoted. And you might add another good reference for your future.

Copyright 2006 Human Resource Solutions. All rights reserved.
Roberta Matuson is an expert at creating intergenerational harmony at work. She's president of Human Resource Solutions, a firm that provides consulting and training to resolve intergenerational conflicts and help companies capitalize on the unique generational perspectives of their workforce.

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Beyond the Business Card

Networking in the 21st Century
by Cheryl Ferguson
hotjobs.yahoo.com


Networking is more than just a buzzword. It's probably the best opportunity you will ever have to make connections, build relationships and help yourself and others in the networking group succeed. Networking with like-minded individuals is also a great way to explore new career options, learn more about a specific industry, gather insights from peers on critical business issues and grow professionally.

Networking With a Goal in Mind

Think about what you want to accomplish by joining a particular networking group. Are you looking for a job, trying to develop new business or do you want to expand your network of contacts and become known as the go-to person in the industry? You can choose to be either an active or passive member of the group, but will get the most out of the experience by regularly attending and participating in the activities.

Once you decide on the networking group that matches your goals, you can immediately increase your visibility by volunteering to participate on a committee.

Access and Exposure

According to Executive Career Consultant Kathleen Jennings, of The Jennings Company, "It's not who you know, it's who knows you." Joining a professional networking group is an opportunity for you to gain access and exposure to people you might not otherwise meet: a company executive in an industry that you've always wanted to learn more about, a keynote speaker who's an expert in your field, and yes, even someone who may be in a position to offer you a job, or who can connect you to the hiring manager at a company where you've always wanted to work.

You can find out when and where networking groups meet by scanning the business-events section of your local newspaper or business weekly. Visit the website of the networking group before going to the first event to learn more about their members, mission and focus. Armed with this information, you can go to the next breakfast, lunch, or after-hours function prepared with questions for the members and guests you introduce yourself to at the meeting.

Stay Connected Between Meetings

The internet is a great tool to use to stay visible and connected to your networking group between meetings. You can:

* Search on Yahoo! for the name of the person you're planning on meeting for that informational interview.

* Forward a link to an article of interest to the new member you met at the last function.

* Send an email with contact information for a referral.

* Post a reply to a request on the group's message board.

There's a fine line between being seen as a resource and being seen as a spam artist; don't send excessive or inappropriate email. Make sure that your contacts between meetings are relevant and pertinent to the business at hand.

Listen First

An easy way to relax at a networking function is to take the focus off yourself by first listening to the other person. This technique also helps you gain insight as to how that contact can help you, making the connection that much stronger. It's not about collecting the most business cards; it's about collecting the right ones.

Thank-you notes and quick follow-up to requests for information are little courtesies that mean a lot. Your professionalism will be noted, your calls returned and your referral business will blossom. It also signals to the parties involved that you are committed to success -- yours and theirs.

If you take advantage of all that networking has to offer, and if you have joined the right networking group, you'll find that suddenly, you seem much more visible. People will seek you out and recognize you as a valuable resource.

If you're networking correctly, you'll find you have more visibility, greater knowledge, and a wider circle of reliable contacts; and that you can leverage those assets to further your career.

About Our Author:
Cheryl Ferguson is the host of The Recruiter's Studio, a career resources website featuring web cast interviews of people talking about what they do for a living. A recruiter with both staffing industry and corporate experience, she has placed candidates with unique backgrounds -- a Rhodes Scholar, a U.N. Peacekeeper and an Anthropologist -- as well as candidates with more mainstream experience -- salespeople, scientists, marketing, legal and administrative staff -- at start-ups, mid-sized and established companies.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Employment

Networking: Where to Cast Your Net

by Erin Hovanec
hotjobs.yahoo.com


One of the most effective ways to find a job: Network.

Spread the word that you're looking for a new job. First, tell your family, friends, neighbors, acquaintances ... everyone. Even tell your mail carrier and your hair stylist. (But don't tell anyone at your current job.)

When it comes to networking though, there's more to consider than simply who you know.

You have to think about who you DON'T know. And then find a way to get to know those people.

Once you've exhausted your personal connections, it's time to focus on meeting some new faces.

Here are some tips on where to start building a network.

Get 'Organized'

The American Association of Zoo Keepers, the National Association of Truck Stop Operators, the American Nuclear Society ...

No matter what your occupation, there's a professional organization for you!

National and international professional associations often have local chapters where you can meet other professionals in your field. And most hold conferences and other events designed specifically for networking.

Professional organizations can also help you keep up-to-date on the latest developments in your industry. They often provide members with the latest industry news, trends and research as well as training and education. This information can come in very handy in interviews.

Not sure what organization would be right for you? This list , organized by topic, can help you get started.

Hit the Books

Looking for regular contact with a group of like-minded professionals in your industry?

Take a class.

From art design to advertising to auto repair, you should be able to find a class in your area that's relevant to your career. And you're guaranteed to meet a group of people who are also interested in your industry.

As an added bonus, a class can give you new skills to boost your resume and make you even more attractive to employers.

Revisit Your Past

Wish you could find a ready-made network, just waiting for you to join? You can: Your alumni association.

Most colleges and even many high schools have alumni organizations made up of former graduates. These organizations usually contain people in every occupation and industry imaginable.

If your former school has an alumni group, get involved.

Take advantage of the fact that you have something in common with the other alums. Remember: It's always easier to meet new people when you share an experience.

Give Something to Get Something

Sure, volunteer work lets you help others. But it also lets you help yourself -- and your job search.

Consider doing volunteer work to expand your network. You'll likely meet an entirely new group of people.

Choose an organization that's related to your profession, if possible. If you can't find a relevant company or cause, offer to help out your favorite charity by doing something that's job-related. Organizations can always use an extra set of hands to help with everything from computer work to clerical tasks.

By volunteering, you'll get a chance to use your skills, expand your network and make a much-needed contribution.


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Quitting With Class

by Caroline Levchuck
hotjobs.yahoo.com


Leaving a job is an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience.

On one hand, you're anxious to start the next phase of your life and likely thinking more about your new job than your current one. But, on the other hand, you don't want to burn any bridges with your current employer.

Handling those final days with grace can be the key to getting valuable references and maintaining a professional network that you've worked hard to build.

Plan Your Strategy

Always have a strategy when leaving a job.

Figure out the logistics of your departure. Will you give the standard two weeks notice or offer more time to ease the transition? How will you deliver your resignation? What if your boss presents you with a counter-offer and tries to entice you to stay? Will you be able to finish lingering projects or help train your replacement?

Thinking through these issues before actually giving notice will help you resign in a professional way. It'll also show your boss and colleagues that you're responsible and dependable up to the very end.

Write Your Resignation Letter

It's standard practice to deliver an official letter of resignation when announcing your departure to your employer.

Keep your letter short and sweet. It's not the place to air your grievances or express negative feelings about the position or your boss.

You also don't have to be overly specific about your reasons for leaving. A simple sentence about exploring a more challenging opportunity should suffice.

And don't forget to thank your employer for the opportunity it gave you.

Resign Face to Face

Resigning from a job is just about always uncomfortable. But it's extremely important to deliver the news to your manager in person, as a sign of respect.

Tell your manager about your resignation before you tell your coworkers. Don't feel the need to explain or justify your departure in great detail. Instead, try to echo the thoughts in your letter of resignation, which you should present to your manager when you speak with him.

Be direct, keep the meeting positive and state your appreciation for everything your manager and the company has done for you.

Your Last Day

Your last day at a job will be a whirlwind of activity.

Most likely, you'll be tying up loose ends, organizing projects, writing instructions for your replacement and saying goodbye to colleagues.

But before you go, make sure you've communicated the status of all your projects to your manager. It's easy to let some items fall through the cracks as you're leaving. Remember: Your behavior on your last day at work leaves a lasting impression on your employer. And you want it to be a good one.

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The Hiring Manager: Your Next Boss

by Christopher Jones
hotjobs.yahoo.com


The hiring manager is the decision maker of the hiring process.

Under the advisement of the recruiter, the hiring manager decides the specifics of a position (including salary), who is interviewed for the position and, ultimately, who is hired.

"Hiring manager" is not an official job title. Rather it's a role supervisors perform when a position opens within their department.

Any supervisor or manager becomes a temporary "hiring manager" when they work with a recruiter to fill a position. After the position is filled, they go back to their regular jobs within the company.

Many hiring managers are not trained interviewers. They usually have little more information on a company's formal hiring policy than the recruiter gives them.

Hiring managers feel the full weight of making the right hiring decision. After all, they will be responsible for supervising the person who is hired.

If you want to know what the hiring manager is looking for, focus on the job ad, the basis of which usually comes from information provided by the hiring manager in the requisition form.

What They Do

Don't be misled by the name: Hiring is not hiring managers' top priority. It usually falls low on the list of their day-to-day responsibilities.

Hiring managers generally manage entire departments. Their time is very limited. This time crunch can sometimes cause delays in the process; interviews may be rescheduled often.

Even when you finally do get an interview, the hiring manager is the person most likely to either leave you languishing in the lobby or have his or her interview with you interrupted.

Because of their busy schedules, hiring managers rely heavily on recruiters to screen resumes, line up interviews and close the deal on new hires.

The Inside Scoop

Hiring managers don't always agree with recruiters on who should be hired.

Whereas recruiters want to make quality hires quickly and efficiently, hiring managers tend to be slow and deliberate when making hiring decisions. They don't hesitate to call candidates in for multiple interviews or to stretch out the final decision.

Hiring managers tend to operate under the idea that the more people who interview the candidate, the better. They will often ask members of their department and sometimes even their supervisors to interview candidates.

This cautious approach makes sense for hiring managers, who want to ensure new hires "fit in" with the departments they've carefully cultivated.

What to Ask

The hiring manager is the ideal person to answer any questions you have about the specifics of the position, including the day-to-day responsibilities.

You should also ask intelligent questions that demonstrate you have researched the company and, if possible, the group the hiring manager oversees.

Avoid questions about benefits. Those should be reserved for the recruiter.

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A Fair Question: What to Ask at a Career Fair

by Todd Anten
hotjobs.yahoo.com


You've waited in line, approached a recruiter, presented your resume and given a persuasive-yet-friendly pitch for why you'd be the perfect employee for Company X.

Then the recruiter asks you that ominous question: "Do you have any questions for me?"

You sweat. You stumble. You panic.

You blew it.

Companies want employees who are active and selective. And asking recruiters smart questions is a good way to make yourself memorable to them.

Here's a quick list of potential questions to ask a recruiter at a career fair. Naturally, you're not going to ask all of the questions below -- you've only got a couple of minutes. But this list will get you on the right track and help you stave off the sweats and stumbles.

Questions that focus on what you can offer an employer:

* What kind of person are you seeking for the position?
* What kind of educational background do you prefer?
* What employment experience is required?
* What additional skills, like languages or computer skills, are particularly valuable?

Questions that focus on what an employer can offer you:

* What do you like about working for your company?
* How many people work at your company?
* What kind of benefits does your company provide?
* What kind of advancement opportunities does your company provide?
* Where does your company hope to go in the next few years?
* Is there anything else I should know about your company?
* How can I contact you if I have a few questions later on?

As you talk, remember to:

* Be friendly and conversational.
* Stay positive and stay on topic.
* Speak clearly and speak confidently.

Stick to the questions above, and perhaps you'll soon hear the question you've been waiting for: "When can you start?"

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Holiday Party Etiquette 101

by Robert Half International
hotjobs.yahoo.com


Deck the halls with boughs of holly -- or is it your computer monitor with strands of tinsel? While the holiday season spells last-minute trips to the local mall, dinner with family and friends, and gifts galore, it also likely means an invitation to the office party.

Your company's holiday event is the perfect opportunity to relax with your coworkers, mingle with those you rarely see and gain some valuable face time with members of the senior management team. As a result, it's important to be on your best behavior. Going overboard by acting up -- or dressing down -- could color people's impression of you and undermine a whole year's worth of good cheer.

Here are some tips to ensure visions of your office party exploits don't dance through your coworkers' heads.

Go easy on the eggnog. Overindulging in alcohol can be traced to a majority of office party mishaps. So plan to drink moderately, if at all. It's also wise to eat a small meal before attending. You won't be hungry, enabling you to focus on the conversation rather than the buffet table.

Check your guest list twice. If it's appropriate to invite your spouse or a guest to your firm's holiday party, make sure he or she has been properly prepped beforehand. If you've shared work-related frustrations or bits of company gossip with your partner, he or she should know what's OK to repeat -- and what should remain off the record. Above all, remember the person you bring reflects on you, and his or her actions can affect your reputation.

Stay to spread some cheer. Though attendance may be optional, plan to attend your company's holiday party if you are able. People pay attention to who comes and who doesn't. Stay for at least an hour or two, but don't be the last to leave. If the crowd starts thinning, and the organizers begin cleaning up, make your exit.
Deck the halls, but avoid getting decked out. If the invitation specifies business attire, avoid showing up in cocktail clothes, especially if you have to put in a day's work before the festivities begin. If the party calls for your holiday best, exercise discretion and leave the flashy or revealing outfits at home. If you'd like to add festive flair, complement your look with a seasonal tie, scarf, jewelry or other accessory.

Mingle all the way. The office party is your opportunity to meet colleagues from other departments or chat with a senior manager for a few minutes. To make a positive impression, come with conversation starters in mind, such as asking people about their holiday plans or if they've made any New Year's resolutions. If you're on the shy side, look for people who are easy to approach -- the coworker wearing a Santa hat, for example, or the person standing alone. Try to speak to at least two new people before the night is over.

Don't be a Grinch. Make sure your posture and demeanor indicate your willingness to engage in conversation with others. Frowning or remaining in the corner all night will discourage people from talking to you. So, smile, walk around the room and look people in the eye as you approach them. Also, keep one hand free throughout the evening so you can shake hands with those you meet. (Hint: Keep your champagne glass in your left hand, so your right is not cold and wet when you introduce yourself.)

Be good for goodness sake. When interacting with company decision makers, the little things take on greater importance. Managers trying to determine who will represent the firm well before clients and potential customers may very well take your manners into consideration. That's why it's key to brush up on your table etiquette. Remember, your bread plate is to your left, and drinks are on the right.

In a survey by Robert Half International, 77 percent of executives and 71 percent of employees said they enjoy celebrating the winter holidays with coworkers. Chances are you'll enjoy the company party, too, if you leave knowing you made a positive impression on everyone there.

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. For additional workplace articles and podcasts, visit www.workvine.com.

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Passing the Pre-Employment Test

by Caroline Levchuck
hotjobs.yahoo.com


Pre-employment testing has become increasingly common among employers trying to minimize hiring mistakes. In addition to interviewing candidates, employers are now requiring them to take tests as part of the hiring process.

Pre-employment tests can help determine whether a candidate has the necessary skills or the desirable personality traits for a job. And, as with all tests -- from high school math exams to driving tests -- knowing what to expect is half the battle.

Be Prepared

These days it seems job candidates are more likely than ever to be given a pre-employment test -- and less likely than ever to be prepared.

While there's little you can do to prepare for (or fool) a personality test, you can improve your score on other types of pre-employment tests, especially skills and logic tests.

Perhaps not surprisingly, skills tests are usually given for jobs requiring skills that are easy to measure and test. They are common for typists and editors, for example. To prepare for a skills test, practice doing whatever you'll be doing on the job. Typists should practice typing and editors should practice editing.

Logic tests are given to see how well candidates can think "on their feet." Large consulting companies, which build their businesses on being able to solve their clients' problems, are infamous for their brain teasers. The best way to prepare for these types of tests is to practice. Hit the Internet and check out some samples.

Get Real

Your best weapon when taking a personality assessment test: Honesty.

You may experience some temptation to fudge your responses to make yourself appear more attractive to an employer. Don't. These sophisticated tests are designed to get at the truth, even if the test taker is evasive.

Lying is pretty pointless anyway as you could wind up with a job that's not right for you.

Take Your Time

Unless you're specifically told that the test is timed or you know that you have a certain window in which to complete the test, take some time. Don't rush. Be diligent. Rushing increases your chances of making a careless error.

Also, if the test is administered by a person, don't be afraid to ask for clarification of any question you don't understand.

Finally, if you have extra time after completing the test, doublecheck your work.

Stay Positive

To keep anxiety at bay on the day of the test, arrive early, be well rested and maintain a positive attitude. And remember: These tests are standard issue. If you have to take one, chances are every other candidate does as well.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career Opportunity

Tests With Personality

by Christopher Jones
hotjobs.yahoo.com


Around 40 percent of Fortune 500 companies require job candidates to take personality tests -- that's nearly double the 1999 rate, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

You can find thousands of these tests online. Some of them are serious psychological profiles, others are just plain fun.

The Keirsey Temperament Sorter II
Hailed as the "Internet's Number One Personality Test," the KTSII ranks test takers as Artisans, Guardians, Rationals or Idealists.

The Jung-Myers-Briggs
A mother-daughter team developed this popular test using the teachings of psychoanalyst Carl Jung. It pinpoints personality using four scales: Extraversion/Intraversion, Sensing/Intuition, Thinking/Feeling and Judging/Perceiving.

International Personality Item Pool
Choose the 300-item version for the most accurate result.

The One-Question Personality Profile
I didn't think one question could possibly determine my personality, but this test did almost as well as the more complicated Jung-Meyers-Briggs.

Find Your 'Star Wars' Twin
Think this test is all fun and games? Think again. The site reminds visitors that the test is "well-accepted and widely used in the personality field of psychology." Sure, and Darth Vader is Luke's father.

This article originally appeared in Job Tip of the Day. Some of the links may have expired since its original appearance.


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Better Safe Than Sorry: Avoid Job Search Scams

by Caroline Levchuck
hotjobs.yahoo.com


Job seekers can be especially vulnerable to con artists and scams. And it sometimes seems like there's a new scam every day.

Take, for example, "phishing." These scams, which usually involve a con artist posing as a legitimate business in order to obtain personal or financial information, grew 178 percent from March to April 2004, according to the Anti-Phishing Working Group.

What's more unfortunate: Up to five percent of the people "phished" gave the scammers what they were looking for.

While no one can offer you guaranteed ways to avoid every scam, there are things you can do to protect yourself. Follow these general principles to conduct a safer job search.

Credit Card Confidential

A recruiter should never ask for your credit card number. Or bank account number. Or PIN.

This information is rarely -- if ever -- required to apply for a job. Never give it out over email or telephone.

A recruiter may occasionally ask you to share some sensitive information. Many job applications will ask you to provide your Social Security number and date of birth. But this information is *not* solicited over the phone or email. Rather, it's part of a formal job application candidates complete in writing, usually on the day of their first in-person interview.

It is very rare you will be asked for sensitive information prior to an in-person interview.

Know Your Enemy

Always know who you're sharing personal information with -- and how it will be used.

Use these tips to protect yourself and your privacy:

* If you get a call from an unfamiliar recruiter, get her name, company and phone number. Check with the Better Business Bureau and your local Chamber of Commerce to verify the business's legitimacy. You can also look up the company's phone number independently and call to confirm that the recruiter is actually an employee. Don't share personal information unless you are confident that the recruiter and company are legitimate. As we mentioned in yesterday's tip, be wary if asked to share personal information over the phone or email.


* When posting your resume online, read the Web site's privacy policy to see how your information will be used. You can view Yahoo! HotJobs' privacy policy.


* Use Yahoo! HotJobs' exclusive HotBlock feature to control who views your resume. HotBlock lets you decide who can see your personal information -- and who can't. Find out more here.

Keep Your Money to Yourself

Beware anyone who asks you for money in exchange for finding you a job.

You should never pay for "exclusive" job leads or for a job itself.

If you enlist the services of a career coach, resume writer or background-checking service, check references and get the agreed-upon fee in writing. Also, comparison shop to find the best deal.

Be especially careful of work-at-home scams that require an upfront financial investment or fee. For more information, see our series on "Avoiding Work at Home Scams".

If you're ever concerned about a particular employer or job listing you've seen on our site, please let us know.

Gotcha!

When in doubt, don't share sensitive information. But if you did -- and fear you've been scammed -- take action immediately.

If you shared sensitive information that could allow someone to steal your identity or access your finances, contact your bank and credit card companies right away.

You should also call the major credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.

Also, be sure to file a police report at your local precinct.

If you've been "phished," contact the "real" company and notify it that someone has been posing as its representative.


Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career Opportunity

Deciphering the Language of Job Ads

by Todd Anten
hotjobs.yahoo.com


Whether browsing through job ads for sales executives, elementary school teachers or professional bard tasters, most jobs seem to use strikingly similar language when advertising the qualities they need in a candidate.

This guide will lead through some of the common terms and phrases used in job ads and help you see behind the language to tell you what they're REALLY saying.

An Enlightening 'Experience'

Almost every job ad out there lists the years of experience an ideal applicant should have.

Entry-level job ads generally ask for at least two years of experience, while senior-level job ads could require at least 10 years of experience.

And, job ads often specify exactly what kind of experience is desired (e.g., "at least four years of editing experience").

The big question is: What counts as "experience"?

When pasting together your employment history in response to a job ad, remember to consider less traditional work experience, too.

Internships, volunteer work, part-time jobs, leadership roles in clubs and organizations -- these are all legitimate sources of experience.

If you have less experience than the job ad requests, it doesn't necessarily mean you're out of the running. If you can make a persuasive argument in your cover letter that you gained the necessary skills in a shorter amount of time, you may still have a shot at getting the interview.

Calculating Your 'Minimum Salary Requirement'

Discussing a potential salary is one of the most intimidating parts of landing a job.

So when a job ad requests that you submit your minimum salary requirement with your resume, it raises lots of questions. Should you list the salary you made at your last job? Do you put the absolute minimum you need to live? Or do you put a bit more than your real minimum, just in case they try to go lower?

When facing a job ad asking for a minimum salary requirement, many avoid these questions by listing their salary requirement as "flexible" or "negotiable."

While this is better than not saying anything, many recruiters still want a specific figure so they know they're not wasting their time with candidates can't afford.

If asked for a specific figure, you can list a salary range (e.g., $30,000 - $35,000).

What Are 'Communication and Organizational Skills'?

This is basically code for "Do you meet deadlines, work well with others and get stuff done?"

Job candidates with a track record of working well with others and juggling several projects successfully are generally good bets to be reliable contributors in the workplace.

So when responding to a job ad that asks for strong communication and organizational skills, be sure to emphasize in your resume instances of how you participated on teams, produced reliable work under deadline and were trusted with multiple responsibilities.

Getting a Command of 'Command'

When a hiring manager looks to fill a position, they often want more than just a personality -- they also want someone with a full arsenal of tools.

So, many job ads request that applicants already have familiarity with certain important tools, skills or languages that are relevant to the job.

The language varies, but if the ad requests a "command of," "proficiency in" or "working knowledge of" a particular skill, then it's asking you to be comfortable using that skill in the workplace.

Depending on the industry, some job ads also request a command of industry-specific tools. Jobs in the publishing industry, for example, might ask for familiarity with Quark, a software program often used in publishing. Jobs in Information Technology may ask applicants to have certain tech certifications.

To figure out if you have a "command of" a particular skill, consider:

• If the skill offers an official certification, are you certified? If so, list it on your resume. If not, you may want to rethink applying.
• If the skill does not offer a certification, would you feel comfortable using the skill on a daily basis? Could someone ask you to perform a relatively simple task using that skill?
• When you're not sure what to say, just be honest. If you speak conversational Spanish, then put "Conversational Spanish" on your resume, not "Fluent Spanish."
• Finally, if you notice that certain skills that you don't have keep on popping up in job ads, it may be time to take a training course.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career Opportunity

The Recruiter Explained

by Christopher Jones
hotjobs.yahoo.com


Recruiters are the gatekeepers of the hiring process.

In most cases, they serve as your first and last point of contact with a potential employer before the hiring decision is made.

As such, they wield considerable influence over whether or not you get the job. However, they do not usually make the final decision.

The recruiter's knowledge of a position is based on information provided by the hiring manager. This information is usually communicated in a requisition form -- the document that creates a job opening in most companies. The requisition form, sometimes called a "req," is also the basis for the job ad.

What They Do

Recruiters are hiring specialists who work with hiring managers to locate and "place" employees.

Recruiters usually oversee the administrative portion of the hiring process. They post job ads and screen candidates in addition to writing offer -- and rejection -- letters.

Recruiters also run background checks and screen references. If you've fibbed on your resume, the recruiter is the person who's most likely to find out.

The Inside Scoop

Recruiters are multitaskers; they have to be.

On one side of their to-do list, recruiters have hundreds of anxious job seekers; on the other, a bevy of hiring managers who want their positions filled -- like, yesterday.

Add to this the fact that some recruiters handle more than just recruiting. Some smaller companies task recruiters with HR duties (managing benefits, employee training, etc.).

If you want to make sure your telephone calls and e-mails pierce the recruiter's helter-skelter existence, provide as much context as possible, including your first and last name as well as the title of the job you're applying for. Never assume the recruiter is only working to fill the position you're interested in.

Recruiters are notoriously "tough graders." A good recruiter can spot errors and bogus information on a resume in seconds. If you want to make the cut, be sure your resume is concise, well organized and error-free.

Lastly, follow instructions in job ads to the letter. "Exceptions to the rule," is not a concept easily grasped by recruiters facing a fresh mound of resumes.

What to Ask

Job candidates who confuse the roles of the recruiter and hiring manager often ask the wrong question to the wrong person and wind up ruining otherwise good interviews.

The recruiter is your general resource for company information. Pitch him or her questions about employee benefits, including health insurance and 401(k) plans.

I generally advise job seekers not to ask about vacation in an early interview as this can be interpreted negatively. ("He hasn't even worked here a day, and he's already interested in vacation!")

As the recruiter oversees the administrative duties associated with filling open positions, you might also want to ask about the next steps in the process.

The recruiter will also be able to tell you who your primary contact will be. Make sure you get this person's name, title, phone number and e-mail address.


Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career Opportunity

'What Worked For Me': Advice From Successful Job Seekers

by Caroline Levchuck
hotjobs.yahoo.com


Looking for a way to get your resume noticed? Need answers to those seemingly impossible interview questions?

Ask you neighbor. Or your best friend. Or even your third-cousin-once-removed.

People who've waged successful job searches can be an invaluable resource when you're looking for a job. You can learn from their successes -- and mistakes -- as well as pick up a few tips and tricks along the way.

Be Open-Minded

Relocating to Virginia from upstate New York, Jamie Chigos landed a position as a financial analyst within two weeks. How?

"I kept an open mind, sent resumes everywhere and went to every agency whether they were hiring or not," said Chigos.

In addition to applying to as many companies as possible, Chigos tried to be open to a range of opportunities.

"People have to be willing to be open-minded about the kinds of positions they want," said Chigos. "Instead of going for a specific job, try going to a company or an employment agency and saying 'This is what I know.' What you know can be applied to a number of different positions."

Answer When Opportunity Knocks

Three years of unemployment didn't prevent Michele (who asked us not to use her last name) from getting a job as a management consultant with a Big Four firm.

She landed her permanent job by accepting a temporary solution. "My thinking became short-term. [I asked myself]: How do you survive in this market?" she said.

Through a friend, Michele landed a contract position. It wasn't her ideal job, and she was overqualified for the position. But she was willing to work for people who had less experience than she did.

"If you're unemployed for a long time, you have to adjust to a new reality. I [was] grateful for the opportunity. ... I worked hard and I made myself indispensable," said Michele.

Michele's attitude and performance in her contract assignment paid off: She now has a permanent job that utilizes her experience and pays her well for it.

Craft a Cover Letter That Stands Out

After graduating from law school, Autumn Leach wanted to find a job quickly. She drafted a cover letter that accentuated her unique experience and made her stand out as a candidate.

"I had the standard entry-level lawyer resume that you have to use, but I used the cover letter to introduce myself more," said Leach.

"I mentioned that I'd worked on a political campaign in San Diego. My current boss is running for office in Anchorage, which sparked his interest in me. It was a lucky move that paid off."

Leach is now working as an attorney in Alaska. She credits her cover letter as being "key" to finding her job.

Don't Neglect Your Network

Curtis Potter wasn't even actively seeking full-time work when he was appointed creative director of an advertising agency. He credits his new job to his solid professional network.

Potter had left his most recent job on good terms and had stayed in touch with his boss when he moved cross-country.

"I would visit whenever I went back to the West Coast and have dinner with him when he came to New York," said Potter.

Potter also built a strong network in and around New York City.

"A former colleague from a local agency called me and told me about the opening, and I sent my resume in. She talked me up to her bosses and they reviewed my resume. It turned out that they knew my previous employer," said Potter.

"I had two strong references going for me -- a former colleague and a former boss. The agency interviewed tons of people, but I think these connections made all the difference," said Potter.

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