Computer Sector Leads Job Cuts for May 2012

Job cuts increase in the month of May, leaving the computer industry hurting the most.

In May, the nation’s employers announced plans to cut 61,887 workers from their payrolls, the most since last September when layoffs totaled 115,730, according to the latest job-cut report released Thursday by global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.

The May job-cut total was up 53 percent from the 40,559 planned layoffs announced in April.  It was 67 percent higher May 2011, when employers announced job cuts totaling 37,135.  This marks the fourth year-over-year increase in monthly job cuts in 2012. Continue Reading

Job Search Steps that can Lead to Victory

Most people know that finding a job is not always easy.  With so much competition in the job market, job seekers must obtain any advantage possible in order to land a job.  So, what can you do in your job search?  Here are some steps that can lead to victory in this process. Continue Reading

6 Ways to Right Executive Networking Wrongs

Jessica Holbrook Hernandez of Great Resumes Fast

Studies show that networking is a crucial part of the executive job-seeking process. While positions can be obtained by submitting a resume and cover letter, it’s much more common for friends and associates to help executive candidates get in the door.

If you haven’t been taking networking seriously, it’s time to take the steps necessary to improve your chances of being hired. Here are six ways that you can immediately right your executive networking wrongs. Continue Reading

How to Find and Use “Key Words” in Your Job Interview

Carole Martin, The Interview Coach

The words that you use to express yourself send a strong message about who you are and what you know. In fact, your vocabulary and the use of  appropriate words say more about you than the message you are trying communicate.

In the job search, the right words are essential to your success. Whether you are creating your resume or preparing answers for an interview, being aware of  and using “industry jargon” is important. Each industry uses “key words” or “lingo” to describe what is required for a job. Continue Reading

How to Prevent These Three Common Deadly Mistakes In Job Interviews

Carole Martin, The Interview Coach

No two interviews are alike so it is difficult to be prepared for the unexpected. You can however focus on your presentation skills that can be more important than what you say.

1. Poor non-verbal communication image

• Stand straight, and make good eye contact.
• Connect with a good, firm, enthusiastic handshake.
• Sit erect, learning forward to appear interested and attentive. Continue Reading

The Best-Kept Secrets of Successful Job Seekers

Jessica Holbrook Hernandez of Great Resumes Fast

Do you ever wonder why other candidates are bombarded with calls for interviews and are fielding offers for jobs left and right … while you’re struggling to garner any attention at all from hiring managers? It could be as simple as the resources these candidates have available to them and how they utilize them.

When you need your taxes done you hire a tax preparer, and when your car is broken you take it to a mechanic, right? So when your job search is busted and isn’t working right who do you go to? Continue Reading

Ready to Build an Effective Job Seeking Network?

Jessica Holbrook Hernandez of Great Resumes Fast

There are many important aspects to a job search—and networking is one of them. Knowing the right person who works within—or has strong connections to—a company can work wonders in helping you get your foot in the door.

While many seekers think that networking is a random act that involves telling people they need employment, connecting with the right professionals involves more effort. This is why it’s important to learn the steps of setting up a job seeking network. Continue Reading

How to Beat the 10-Second Resume Scan

Jessica Holbrook Hernandez of Great Resumes Fast

It’s hard enough to get past the ATS software scanning your resume for the right keywords, but if you can get past it and get an actual human to review your resume, then you have about 10 seconds (on average) to tell them what they want to hear. If you can get their attention during the first ten seconds, then you have a greater chance of them investing more time into reading your whole resume and getting a call for the interview. So what are some strategies you can employ to up your chances of successfully getting past the initial ten-second resume scan? Continue Reading

How to Get a Summer Job

No matter how old you are, when it comes to finding a summer job, you may need some help to get started. That’s especially true right now considering the job market and the economy. There are a lot of people fighting for fewer open positions, so you’ll need the right tips, advice and resources in order to really find the summer job that you’ve been seeking. Use this guide to get started and you’ll ensure that you are all set and lined up come summertime. Continue Reading

Resume Writing Strategies: Making a Unique Work History Work for You

Jessica Holbrook Hernandez of Great Resumes Fast

Have you spent a portion of your adult life raising your children as a stay-at-home parent? Or have you been unemployed for years but took on short-term or contract positions while waiting for a permanent position? If so, you are saddled with a unique work history.

While employers are accustomed to giving first priority to candidates with straightforward professional histories, they will make room for individuals who prove they are the best for the job. With the right resume writing strategy, you can do the same. Here’s how to make a unique work history work for you. Continue Reading