This post from the Metropolitan New York Library Council describes job interviews and does a great job of reminding us what they are and are not. The advice is applicable for all, and stresses early on the importance of preparing (i.e. doing the research as I have described many times.)
I can certainly attest to how I knew the things written here, but also have fallen into the traps they describe many times. I encourage anyone who is getting stressed out and/or burned out with interviewing to read this article then take a moment to reset. Getting interviews are great, but it is only a step in the process.
Good luck!
12 December, 2012
10 December, 2012
Jobs outlook for 2013
CNN and Money Magazine have a this wonderful piece about the jobs outlook for 2013, which is in their series about Making More in 2013. While predictions like this are never guaranteed it looks like things will be improving for hiring and working conditions in 2013.
I encourage those both looking for employment and looking to improve their employment situation to read this piece. Then keep in mind both my advice and the advice of those I direct you to on employment trends to be aware of and preparing for the job search/interview.
I would love to hear from those who have good experiences in late 2012 and 2013.
Good Luck!
I encourage those both looking for employment and looking to improve their employment situation to read this piece. Then keep in mind both my advice and the advice of those I direct you to on employment trends to be aware of and preparing for the job search/interview.
I would love to hear from those who have good experiences in late 2012 and 2013.
Good Luck!
05 December, 2012
Job applicant experience can effect business!
Alice Diamond is a career counselor at an academic institution. Her piece for Career Convergence Magazine discusses how the applicant experience can effect a business. She uses some generalities that I think we can all identify with. Interviewing and not hearing for weeks if ever are unfortunately things that many if not all job searchers can understand.
I have tried to avoid boring you the reader with too many personal stories of my job searches, so I'll just say that all of the situations she used as examples are ones that I have experienced or were experienced by someone I know closely.
What I wanted to talk about in more depth were the things she shared about how these experiences can effect the hiring company, and more importantly what we as job seekers can do about it.
First if the situation was really bad, vote with your wallet. Tell family and friends about the bad experience and if the company provides services that you consume then consume accordingly. But if the experience was not so egregious that you must take to the streets so to speak... her tips offer some interesting options.
As I have discussed in several of my posts about employment trends, the job search process is changing. The nature of work is changing as well. In this new environment providing feedback either directly or indirectly is a vital piece of business. Keep that in mind during your next interview.
I have tried to avoid boring you the reader with too many personal stories of my job searches, so I'll just say that all of the situations she used as examples are ones that I have experienced or were experienced by someone I know closely.
What I wanted to talk about in more depth were the things she shared about how these experiences can effect the hiring company, and more importantly what we as job seekers can do about it.
First if the situation was really bad, vote with your wallet. Tell family and friends about the bad experience and if the company provides services that you consume then consume accordingly. But if the experience was not so egregious that you must take to the streets so to speak... her tips offer some interesting options.
As I have discussed in several of my posts about employment trends, the job search process is changing. The nature of work is changing as well. In this new environment providing feedback either directly or indirectly is a vital piece of business. Keep that in mind during your next interview.
03 December, 2012
Age of the Freelancer
Gary Stern writing last week for Fortune Magazine talked about the Age of the Freelancer. As he notes this is not a new phenomena, but it is seeing a resurgence of late. In September a survey taken of over 300 freelance workers found that 57% saw an increase in income during 2012.
I have talked about the changing landscape of work in past posts. As Mr. Stern points out this is not a new trend. What it signals is the end of the traditional career of staying put for 30+ years. The benefits for the employer are just too great for them to continue to hire primarily full time salaried employees and remain competitive globally.
I see this as a sad trend, but one that may be impossible to avoid. My greatest concern is that even if employers raise salaries enough to equate to what a worker was receiving in salary and benefits in the past (health, disability, retirement, etc.) will employees remain disciplined enough to go out into the free market and invest those extra dollars wisely? For most the health coverage will remain essential and as the nation settles into life with the Affordable Care Act it should become easier and more affordable to purchase this coverage as an individual. The bigger concern will be retirement. Currently the trend that is seeing modest positive gains is to automatically enroll an employee into a 401K or similar plan offered through the employer.
As Social Security and Medicare begin to loose footing, and more workers are not seeing these benefits from employers will we be self-disciplined enough? I hope for the best and fear for the worst.
Thoughts?
I have talked about the changing landscape of work in past posts. As Mr. Stern points out this is not a new trend. What it signals is the end of the traditional career of staying put for 30+ years. The benefits for the employer are just too great for them to continue to hire primarily full time salaried employees and remain competitive globally.
I see this as a sad trend, but one that may be impossible to avoid. My greatest concern is that even if employers raise salaries enough to equate to what a worker was receiving in salary and benefits in the past (health, disability, retirement, etc.) will employees remain disciplined enough to go out into the free market and invest those extra dollars wisely? For most the health coverage will remain essential and as the nation settles into life with the Affordable Care Act it should become easier and more affordable to purchase this coverage as an individual. The bigger concern will be retirement. Currently the trend that is seeing modest positive gains is to automatically enroll an employee into a 401K or similar plan offered through the employer.
As Social Security and Medicare begin to loose footing, and more workers are not seeing these benefits from employers will we be self-disciplined enough? I hope for the best and fear for the worst.
Thoughts?
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