A recent telephone survey of advertising and marketing executives found that the employers met with a lucky seven applicants on average before filling an open position in their department.

The poll, commissioned by the Creative Group and conducted by market research firm ICR, surveyed 375 marketing executives randomly selected from companies with 100 or more employees and 125 with advertising executives randomly selected from agencies with 20 or more employees.

The Creative Group, a division of staffing firm Robert Half International Inc., offers seven tips for helping job candidates stand out against the crowd:

Do your prep work: Visit the firm’s website, search online for news articles and ask people in your network whether they have any insight about the company.

Put your best foot forward from the start: Be polite to the reception staff when you check in, and smile warmly with everyone you meet.

Be aware of body language: Subtle cues, such as your eye contact, facial expressions and posture, will affect how hiring managers perceive you. While practicing a mock interview, ask a friend for feedback on any distracting habits.

Have a good story to tell: Be prepared to provide memorable anecdotes about how you have helped solve business problems. Describe the challenge, talk about your actions and outline the final results.

Prepare to ask: Come with interesting questions.

Be yourself: A hiring manager wants to get to know a real person who he or she would be happy to see every morning at the office. Avoid rehearsed responses and interact in a way that’s honest and genuine.

Stay positive: If you don’t get the job but have developed good rapport with the interviewer, request feedback on what you might have done better. If you accept rejection graciously, you may even put yourself first in line for the company’s next opening.

Source: tampabay.com

Career coaches offer tips on how to have a first-class first day:

Be open and friendly. Present yourself well to co-workers in an effort to form bonds. Walk around and introduce yourself to everyone. Keep conversations brief, polite and listen more than you talk: Ask questions about workplace operations and culture.

Connect and learn. By being cordial and curious, you begin to form relationships that may help you later on. Your goal is to turn new co-workers into allies or mentors, said career coach John McKee.

Dress the part. During the interview process, keep on eye on attire. Overdressing on the first day can appear arrogant, McKee said. Underdressing, on the other hand, is just as bad.

Adapt and be positive. Often the reality of a new job will include more responsibilities than were presented during the interview process. If that’s the case, the new hire needs to be ready to grin and bear it.

Source: HeraldNet.com

Over the past couple years at Capital Area Michigan Works! we have compiled what we call “Straight Talk” from employers. We’ve shared these tips and comments with our staff and job seekers, and now we’d like to share with you, straight from the employers’ mouths, what you need to do to get a job:

• The human resources manager at a nursing home said, “Job seekers should be positive. Don’t speak negatively of an ex-employer. If you answer a question about something that happened, put a positive spin on it, such as ‘as a result, I learned …’ Make sure the employer feels you would be a positive addition to their team.”

• A manager with the State of Michigan said, “Job seekers need to do their homework. Research the company before you apply.”

• The human resources person at a local corporation said, “Remember every person you come across may impact the hiring decision. You should treat the receptionist and every employee you meet with as much respect as you plan to treat the manager who will interview you.”

• The hiring manager of a local nonprofit organization stated, “If I receive a resume without a cover letter, I throw the resume away.”

• Another employer shared, “When filling out applications, job seekers need to state their qualifications for the desired position. Never write ‘any/all/open’ when the application asks for desired position. State the name of the specific position that is currently vacant and for which you qualify.”

• The CEO of a regional nonprofit stressed the importance of experience along with education. She does not even look at resumes unless they contain some form of previous work experience, internship or volunteer experience.

• The human resources person at a local manufacturing company said, “Job seekers should be prepared. Practice answering odd interview questions, have reference sheets available and have dates, addresses and phone numbers for the application.”

One of the most consistent complaints is job seekers’ lack of following directions. This aggravates hiring managers.

Source: BusinessLansing.com

“Why don’t they go work at McDonald’s or something?” is a frequent retort.

Why? Because they’re not getting hired.

I’ve had countless job hunters tell me they’ve applied at the Walmarts, the Home Depots, the McDonald’s of the world without success.

Some believe there’s age discrimination. Others say they’ve been told they wouldn’t be happy there, or they’d leave as soon as something better came along, or they couldn’t be paid what they’re worth.

To which applicants want to scream: “Let me judge that!”

But the fact remains that in this tight job market, the search for a “bridge” job is just as hard as the search for a “career” job like the one that was lost.

(How bad is it? Bloomberg News reported last week that initial jobless claims rose by 12,000 to 500,000 in the week ended Aug. 14, the highest level since November.)

Given that sitting at home and fruitlessly sending out applications over the Internet is ineffective, here are some ideas for “bridge work.” (Believe me, I understand that many job hunters have tried all of these.)

• Volunteer. Even if there’s no income, it gets you out to meet people and might expose you to a staff opportunity.

• Substitute-teach. If you don’t have teaching or advanced degrees, it will be tough to compete with experienced teachers, but there’s decent per-diem pay if you’re needed.

• Do odd jobs. With only basic physical ability, you can do yard work and housecleaning or provide house-or pet-sitting services. With more specific skills, you can do painting, handyman work, sewing, cooking, elder care or child care.

• Become an independent contractor. If you have specific computer, accounting, advertising or marketing skills, businesses may hire you on contract. Let people know you’re available.

• Be a temp. Look for temporary help agencies that specialize in your field of experience. That maximizes your placement odds.

• Go part-time. Full-time, with benefits, is the goal, but part-time jobs (some of which do include benefits) buy the groceries. The reality of this job market is that employers are more likely to hire part-timers than full-timers.

Source: Buffalo News

Sure you’re brilliant, but black roots on blonde hair says you don’t pay attention to details. And as much as you love your latest Lindsay Lohan fingernail fashion, it could indicate to interviewers that you bring your personal life to the office.

Yeah, yeah, money is tight, but please don’t drag out the two-piece from the ’90s. Prospective employers might think if that’s the best you’ve got, your appearance could quickly devolve to flip-flops by your first casual Friday.

The best fashion interview strategy is to look like you fit in. What are employees wearing during the week at that company? Fit in, but just a bit more polished to show your prospective employer that you cared enough to look your best.

Here are our seven “hired” ideas for interviews:

Messenger bag: While a purse says lipstick, chewing gum and old receipts, a messenger bag says ‘I take work home.’ A power bar peeking out of a side pocket indicates you use your time wisely and think ahead. A notepad and pen says you’re prepared.

Neutral dress: A structured dress is more comfortable than a suit, especially for a summer interview. Make sure it doesn’t cling, that it covers cleavage and drops to just above the knee. Pair it with a pashmina on cold days.

Wear a watch: Tardy people don’t, on-time people do.
Pair down accessories: Keep them simple. No drop earrings. No bracelets that clang. No mom necklaces with a rhinestone for every child. Think all business at the office, tailored, and the less bling the better.

Wear shoes: Yeah that seems obvious, but the point is no sandals, no sling backs, no slip-ons, no 5-inch heels

Neutral makeup: Even white tipped nails can be jarring on a job interview. Paint your nails a neutral color to take the attention off them. Ditto for lipstick and eye shadow colors. You want your interviewer to pay attention to what you’re saying, not your 3-inch nails.

Get a haircut: Freshly cut and colored hair looks tidy. Wash and go styles indicate you get ready for work in snap and not doing your eyes on the 55 in the fast lane.

Source: ThirdAge

While experts agreed the labor market is less than friendly right now, there are steps candidates can take to increase their chances of finding employment.

“The state of the economy does not indicate how your job search will go– those who get sucked into this kind of thinking generally have a really tough time,” says Meredith Haberfeld, executive and life coach.

Here are some common job-hunting myths that can prevent you from securing a job.

Myth 1: No one is Hiring, so I Shouldn’t Even Bother

While the unemployment rate has steadily climbed over the past few years, the misconception that companies will not hire in tough times is simply not true.

When looking for employment make that your full-time job, suggest the experts.

“Those who recognize that for this time, job hunting is their job and structure their time accordingly and do an incredible job at this job over the long haul do find opportunities,” says Haberfeld.

“These days, it can take anywhere from a week to a year and those who put in the diligent effort day after day and don’t get stopped by set-backs find the right position.”

Myth 2: I just Graduated from College, No one will Want Me

If you’re a recent college grad, you may feel insecure about your lack of experience. Don’t get discouraged-apply to openings anyway.

“To a recent college graduate, the good news is that there has been an uptick in the job market that’s been going on all year,” says J.P. Hansen, author of The Bliss List: The Ultimate Guide To Living The Dream At Work And Beyond.

Haberfeld says if a company is having a hard time finding the right person to fill a position, they will often turn to college graduates they can train on the job.

“Every single field requires entry level employees that [companies] can train and cultivate,” she says. “I have yet to ever find a field where entry-level employees were not needed. Companies rely on that.”

Myth 3: The Best Way to Find a Job is Online

The experts agree the Internet is a good tool to find job openings, but it cannot be your only method.

“[Searching online] can be a component, but overall, get away from the computer,” says Haberfeld. “Talk to people through every phase of your job search and authentically cultivate relationships. This is the single most powerful force leading to successful job offers.”

Career expert Deborah Brown-Volkman points out that every career has an association–get out there and attend meetings or networking groups to meet people. Although you might be nervous at first, keep practicing by talking to people in your field of interest.

If you are a college student, use your available resources-head to the student career center and talk to people.

“It’s the college student that goes in physically, makes a good appearance at the career center, does some research, perhaps looks for an endorsement with the various people in that center who generally can line up interviews, ” says Hansen. “From there, you have a much better chance at getting a job.”

Myth 4: Limit Your Resume to One Page

Not everyone has to squeeze their experience one page, according to the experts.

“For college students, [one page] may be the most appropriate,” says Hansen. “But don’t limit your resume to one page if you have other content.”

Myth 5: They Have My Resume, They Know My Strengths

When it comes time for an interview, your resume cannot speak for you. You need to be your biggest promoter, so practice your professional spiel.

“Beginning to promote yourself and network on your own behalf is a skill that requires practice,” says Haberfeld. “It’s not comfortable for almost anyone at first, but the more you get out there and do it, day in and day out, and recognize that it’s not some cheesy, fake sales pitch you’re making, but that you’re actually cultivating real connections with people.”

“It helps you to hone your 30-second pitch,” says Brown-Volkman. “You’ll be more effective on interviews.”

Myth 6: Interview Went Well, the Ball is Now in Their Court

After a job interview or initial contact you want to show the employer you’re interested in the job without becoming a nuisance.

“There is a fine line between desperate and desirable–I always say that you have to adapt an attitude of’ I care, but not that much,’” says Hansen. “Daily calls and communications–that’s called pestering. I don’t think it is unreasonable once a contact has been established to look for contact every other week. People that do it daily appear desperate and that’s a knock-out punch.”

Haberfeld suggests following up with a hand-written thank you note.

“It’s all the more valued now in this era of digital communications,” she says. “But after the thank you note and an after-hours voice mail message thanking the interviewers and sharing your enthusiasm for the job, re-focus your energies on building and nurturing your network.”

Source: FoxBusiness.com

- Ask for an agenda from the person who set up the interview.

This will help you anticipate questions and plan your answers. Second interviews often involve people from various departments of the organization so you’ll get a chance to meet and speak with people you’ll be interacting with if you land the job.

-Learn even more information about the company.

Check the web site, company blog, message boards, etc., whatever venue will lead you to information about management, staff, promotions, company contracts, and so on. Then you’ll be able to speak with knowledge and confidence during the second interview.

-Review the questions and answers from your first interview.

It will be worth your while to give yourself another practice round with a friend or relative. This will help you relax, take your time, and focus on the essentials before you walk into the interview room.

-Freshen and update your responses.

If, after the first interview, you realized you left something out or since that time you thought of something else you’d like to say, here’s your opportunity. Reread your notes from the first interview, checking for anything you’d like to add or clarify.

-Follow up with a ‘thank you.’

As you did the first time, send a thank you by note or email to each person you met with and restate your interest in the company and in the position you’re aiming for.

As the saying goes; “the harder you work, the luckier you get!”

Source: OdinJobs

But, how can you prepare for the unexpected? Specifically, how can you be ready for questions that come up during an actual interview and be confident in providing answers that will enhance your chances of landing the job?

When you find yourself sitting in the hot seat with an interviewer’s eyes and questions bearing down upon you, keep in mind that while there are no standard responses, you can greatly ease the stress of the encounter by practicing beforehand.

Think about how you would answer these questions:

What are your strengths and weaknesses?
How do you handle stress?
What are your short- and long-range goals and how do you expect to achieve them?
Everybody has pet peeves. What are yours?
Tell me about the best and worst bosses you’ve ever had.
What else do you think I should know about you?

To answer questions with poise, try to remember these tips:

Listen carefully. If you feel the question is unclear, ask politely for clarification. That is not in any way an indication that you are not paying attention, nor that you lack knowledge.

Once you have obtained clarification, it is often a good tactic to pause before answering to consider all facts that may substantiate your response.

Focus and refocus attention on your successes. Even though the interviewer will typically have your resume for reference and has probably reviewed it in some detail, your goal should always be to direct your answers back to your accomplishments.

Never apologize for anything on your resume, but rather be ready to speak to all aspects of your background with confidence.

Always offer positive information. Even if you may have had a bad experience at a previous job, it is risky to speak negatively about any business or any person you either worked for or with.

The interviewer may know the person or the business or, in some cases, some details about what happened.

Even though you may have to struggle to hold your tongue, it is far more productive to speak about what positive aspects you gained from a previous work situation.

Get right to the point. A short, concise, fact-supported answer is always a good rule of thumb. Plus, it may keep you from opening yourself up to areas of questioning that might lead to difficult answers.
Be truthful. The information on your resume has landed you the interview. There is no reason to embellish the facts during the interview itself.

Truthful, straightforward answers will keep your confidence intact and will allow you to remain as calm as possible.

This is very true when it comes to the inevitable questions about money and compensation. Most employers will ask you for proof of your previous salary history, so be 100 percent honest.

Any contradiction in your answer to what is contained on your W2 form will most likely eliminate you from consideration.

Chances are high that, despite practicing your answers, you will still be caught off guard at some point.

Pausing to regain your poise and answering with positive information will play a critical role in getting you the job you desire.

Source: Lompoc Record

Here’s a sampling of Carpenter’s recent advice for job seekers:

Q. I have been out of work for some time now, except for several seasonal jobs. My background is in customer service (taking phone orders, resolving customer complaints), but I’m interested in getting into the administrative assistant field. Is there any type of training I can take to sharpen my software skills? I understand there are grants for people like me to go back to school. Whom do I talk to about these programs?

A. Yes, there are financial assistance programs available through the community college system, such as Pell grants.

If you sit down with a career coach, he or she can help you identify the skills/training that an administrative assistant would need, such as software training in Word, Excel or other programs.

Q. I have been to résumé critique and job-search seminars and found them very valuable. But when I visit a prospective employer, there seems to be a huge elephant in the room: my age. While my cover letter and professional qualifications open the door for interviews, I cannot hide the fact that I am a 62-year-old white male.

I recently attended a job orientation with a national company that received 450 résumés for five positions; nine of us were invited to the orientation. I thought this time would be different because my personality, affable nature and experience would garner an interview. It did not. It seems the 30-something (interviewer) … could not see hiring someone who reminded her of her dad.

Why do I not hear the outcry of older workers about an issue that is epidemic?

A. Complaints about discrimination against older workers are on the rise and have been covered by the media, both nationally and locally, in recent months. I have received quite a few e-mails from older workers expressing your same concerns.

I recently came across an article, “Positive Attitude Is Key When Fighting Prejudice Against Older Workers,” by Katharine Hansen, a careers author and blogger at Quintessential Careers. Her summation: “Face the fact that some unenlightened organizations simply won’t hire you if you’re ‘of a certain age,’ and you’re better off not fighting them. Instead, put your energy into seeking out the companies who welcome your work ethic and maturity.”

Among her tips: Don’t be a victim and don’t panic; tap into “Boomer power,” embrace change, stay fit and energetic. For the full article, go to quintcareers.com/older—workers—jobseekers.html.

The best advice I can give to older workers: Keep your skills current, especially computer skills. Depending on the type of job you’re seeking, be sure you are internet-savvy and familiar with Windows-based programs, such as word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation applications. Microsoft offers training programs though organizations such as AARP. You may be eligible for a grant to pay for computer courses.

Q. What are the best tools to assess your job skills and interests?

A. There are several free tools available that will help determine your skills and interests.

The first is IDEAS (Interest, Determination, Exploration and Assessment System), designed for students and adults. The IDEAS workbook provides a series of statements, and you circle those that best describe yourself. It helps identify your interests and the different types of careers/occupations you might enjoy.

The second tool is Choices, a software program that offers a more detailed look at your interests and relevant occupations. The program also provides information on education and training related to your career interests.

There is a tool anyone can access online: ONet OnLine, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, lets users search for occupations that use their skills. It has extensive data on numerous occupations, including the so-called green economy. It’s at online.onetcenter.org.

Source: NJ.com

A. Today’s job market is still really tight. Start by learning all you can about the company. Read the last one or two annual reports. Learn all you can about the job you’re seeking. Think through why you want this job, with this company. Knowing these two things is key, because if you appear to interviewers as just “fishing around,” they’ll spot it and trash your application fast.

Plan your answers to these key questions, and ask a friend (one who will tell you the truth) to play the role of the interviewer. Then practice your answers.

“You’ve seen the job description; what seems to interest you the most? The least? Why is that?” Be careful about saying what you don’t like; you could come across as negative or narrow-minded. Focus on the challenges you can experience and learn from with situations you’re less than enthusiastic about.

“How does this job compare with others you are now considering?” Don’t appear to be shopping around; show how much you know about the company, and how serious you are about the job. Say something like, “Actually, this is really the only job I’m interested in, because…”

“What do you eventually want to do five years from now? Ten years?” Show that you have a plan for your life and your career: to commit to something that will interest and challenge you for several years.

“What has been your greatest achievement?” This reveals your self-image, your pride in accomplishments, and your sense of purpose.

“Tell me about your most recent disappointment — when you just couldn’t get a job done in your own way, on your own terms.” This shows your flexibility; your skill at handling adversity; your ability to bounce back quickly when things get tough.

“What additional information do you think I should have about you?” Here’s a perfect opportunity to sell yourself and your talents, tailored to this job. Use your experiences in college or in other part-time jobs to show you’ve learned important job skills.

“Where do you want to wind up, professionally, at the height of your career?” Again, this shows you have a plan for your life. It’s an ideal segue to ask about training opportunities, educational assistance, and the depth of opportunity in the company.

“Tell me why you prefer to work alone (or in a group).” Be careful here; you may have to be able to function well either way. But if you have a strong preference, say so, and why, in a positive, enthusiastic way.

“With (your work experience), what were your typical duties and tasks?” This reveals the level of responsibility you’ve handled.

“Tell me about your specific experience with (equipment, technology, etc.).” This shows the depth of your knowledge or skills. Don’t try to bluff. Rely on what you learned in your college courses.

“This new job I’ve just described to you — what about it is most appealing?” Employers want to hire enthusiastic people — people with a passion for what they do day after day. Whatever turns you on about this job — show it.

Be ready to ask questions that will help you better understand the job being offered. Some examples:

“Why is the position available? What are some of the key objectives of the job? What are you looking for in a strong candidate? What type and how much training will be provided? What is a typical workday like? What are the skills and abilities considered necessary? “

If you’re prepared to answer — and ask — questions like these — it shows you’re well informed and serious about the job.

Source: The Commercial Appeal