Your Credit Can Impact Employment Decisions

If you have been searching for employment for an extended period of time you are not unlike many Americans. There could be numerous reasons why you weren't hired. Your resume and cover letter may successfully highlight your background and qualifications. You may make a great first impression in the interview. However, the red flag that stands out to employers could be your credit. Bad credit can stop you from obtaining employment. Let's breakdown the impact of your credit in hiring decisions.

Screening Tool

Employers use credit reports to confirm identity and to determine whether an applicant is responsible and reliable. Employers also use credit reports in hiring decisions to determine whether an applicant will be able to manage their debts with the salary being offered. Furthermore, many employers limit credit checks to management, executive, or positions that will have access to cash, assets, a company credit card, or confidential information.

Your Privacy

Employers cannot obtain a copy of your credit report without an applicant's written permission. Most job seekers generally give them the needed permission when you complete forms authorizing a complete background check. Information found on a credit report cannot be used to deny the applicant of a job until the applicant has a had chance to review the credit report.

Information found on the Credit Report

Negative information found on the credit report will remain there usually for a period of seven years. Information pertaining to bankruptcies remain on the credit report for a period of ten years. Although there are limitations to using a bankruptcy in an employment decision.

Bottom Line

Strive to maintain good credit. If you have good credit, monitor your report closely to ensure that you are not a victim of identity theft. Remember, the information that shows up on your credit report could impact whether you are offered a position.

You Can Have What You Speak

When you operate in faith you need a vocabulary to support your mindset.
Here are some words to ponder over and some words you can speak into your life.

Abundant
Bless/Blessing/Blessed
Change, Confident, Creative
Determination
Expectation, Excited
Faithful, Fruitful, Fellowship
Grace, Growth
Hopeful
Increase
Joy
Kindness
Love
Mercy
New
Overcome
Purpose
Quality
Respect
Strength
Triumph
Unique
Victorious
Wisdom
Yearn
Zeal

Is Going Back To School An Option For You?

The decision of whether you should go back to school can be tough. The mere thought could spark important questions like:

1. Where do I find the time?

2. How would I pay for school?

3. Would it improve my chances of landing a better job?

4. Am I too old to consider going back to school?

In Part I of this blog series we will review time.

Time is precious because once it is gone you can never get it back. In determining if you will have the necessary time to go back to school I am going to use three components to help analyze your time. Those three components are commitment, time management, and support.

Commitment

Commitment means that you are in union with something or someone. If you are considering going back to school you will have to be committed to school. The commitment you may need could be for several weeks or several years. In fact, that means that you will have to plan everything in your life around school. This may mean that you will miss some parties, vacations, or even some of your sleep time. If this sounds like something you are ready to do then let's look at time management.

Time Management

In addition, to having commitment you will need excellent time management if you want to be successful in going back to school. I am recommending that you start to use a calendar or planner to help you with your time management. This will help you planning your school life and life away from school. Furthermore, you will have to discover which times you study best. Some of us study best when our minds are fresh early in the morning. While some study best when they are burning the midnight oil studying into the late hours of the night. It is key that you to find out what works for you. If you think that you have the necessary commitment and you can effectively manage your time then we will examine your support system.

Support

Finally, you will need support so you can stay committed to school and properly manage your time. Communicate to your family and friends and let them know your intentions and what you will need from them. You may need your family to step up and take on duties you were previously responsible for. Let them know that there sacrifice will enable you to allocate additional time to school. You may want to call on friends to help keep you encouraged when you want to give up and to give you space so you that you can give school your best effort.

Conclusion
In conclusion, careful thought about time will give you insight on whether going back to school is the right option for you.

The Question Behind the Question

How comfortable are you in having a conversation about your career history and career goals? The answer to this question will go along way in determining how well you will do in your next interview. Remember that an interview is an elimination competition held by employers to find the best people. Therefore, you must be prepared to answer many questions and have stories ready as an example of what you are stating. Every question you are asked is designed to give the interviewer a better understanding of you. Let's review some questions now.

Question 1: Tell me about yourself?
You may be wondering why you are being asked this when the employer more than likely has your resume or job application.

Purpose of Question:
The interviewer is asking this to see how you communicate and which career highlights are important to you. You should stick to professional information only when responding to this question. I would not discuss age, marital status, religious beliefs, or hobbies.

Question 2: Tell me about a time when you had a conflict with a co-worker and how you handled it?

Purpose of Question:
This a behavioral based interview question that seeks to discover how you would handle a future situation based on how you have handled similar situations in your career previously. I would use the STAR approach in answering this question. The word STAR is an acronym for situation, task, action, and result. Using the star formula you breakdown your answer into three segments of: description of task, the action you took, and the final measurable result. By using the star approach you allow the interviewer to visualize and record your behavioral responses to specific events and make a better conclusion of your future performance.

Question 3: Are you competitive?

Purpose of Question:
This question is asked to determine how important it is to you to be as successful or more successful than your peers. Being competitive is an important trait for anyone managing a sales goal.

Question 4: Tell me why you left your previous employer?

Purpose of Question:
This question is designed to determine if you are a job hopper or to simply understand the logic you use regarding decisions effecting your career. If you have a job listed on your resume be ready to explain why you left the company.

Conclusion:
Lastly, continue to practice answering interview questions so you can further develop your confidence when you are on an interview. Mastering this task will demonstrate to interviewers who you are and why you are the best candidate for hire.

Great Tips for Graduates Entering the Workforce

As a newbie to the workforce there are some important strategies to execute to insure your success. I am presenting 5 things you can do to help jump start your career.

1. Observe the Chain of Command - The chain of command is the order you should follow to get a problem solved. Going over your bosses head will not help you. Moreover, it will probably lead you to being labeled as a troublemaker.

2. Learn to Ride the Wave - The waves or challenges within any organization can change by the minute or by the day. There are few perfect jobs and even fewer perfect companies. This is a lesson that many seasoned workers haven't fully grasped. Show your adaptability and flexibility by handling the changes that may accompany your job. A good boss will appreciate your attitude.

3. Strive to Make An Early Positive Impact - There is nothing better than early success in your new job. Start everyday by breaking it down into smaller parts in which you will thrive. Take good notes so you can retain key information. After you master that strive to achieve success on a daily basis. Meanwhile monitor all the activities that lead to your success. Once you achieve success it is key that you realize what the formula is so that you can repeat it.

4. Keep Being a Student - Oftentimes after graduating from school people want to separate themselves from habits such as studying and learning. Being a good student in the workplace could allow you to learn product information. Product knowledge is key in a sales position. You may not get a formal test in the workplace but rest assured that your work progress is being measured. Instead of getting a report card you will receive a performance appraisal.

5. Don't Burn Any Bridges - As with life you want to be careful not to burn any bridges. You can burn bridges by bad mouthing your company on social networking websites. You could also burn bridges by quitting without giving adequate notice or by underachieving on the job. Remember that you may need your current employer to provide you with a reference in the future.

Money Matters So Know Your Worth

I spoke to a client recently that said that she needed a job so badly that she would accept a wage less than what she was worth just to be employed. I am not criticizing this logic, but I do want to discuss the impact of this decision making.

First of all, I do not advise such tactics and I will explain why. If you low ball yourself initially it may take years for you to regain the salary that you have sacrificed. Most jobs give either semi-annual or annual raises. The standard raise you should expect while staying in the same position is usually limited to 3 to 4 percent.

If you accept a wage of $9.00 per hour and feel that your experience would dictate that you earn $14.00 per hour, lets see how that will effect you financially after one year. A raise is not guaranteed considering the state of the economy. But in my example we are going say that you work for a generous employer that will give you two semi-annual raises during the course of the year. If you earn two 3 percent raises after accepting a wage of $9.00 during one year you will still be earning less than $10.00 per hour after one year.

Finally, I believe that accepting a job for less pay than you worth will haunt you whenever things go wrong at the job. You will start to think that you are only getting paid X dollars and for X dollars your company can only expect a certain effort. Your salary needs will not be your manager's focus. Your manager will be focused on getting the overall job done. If you don't figure in that equation your limited salary or wage may no longer be a concern for anyone. I suggest that you utilize a salary calculator to determine your worth if you are unsure. You can find a salary calculator on careerbuilder or by doing an online search. Do your homework so that you can get the wage or salary that you deserve.

For more career tips check out my website: www.resumesolutionsllc.com

Five Bad Habits to Avoid At Your New Job

Congratulations, you have found a new job and you want to do well. Here is my quick list of bad habits to avoid.

1. Making personal telephone calls
If you have to make telephone calls do it on your break. If you have a peculiar situation going on at home speak to your supervisor about your situation so they are aware of what is going on.

2. Failure to retain information
Take good notes so that you don't have to ask the same questions repeatedly. This will allow you to function independently of your supervisor or co-workers. You must remember they have a job to take care too.

3. Unauthorized internet use
Many companies have the capability of tracking your computer activity so stay off of MySpace, Facebook, your personal e-mail, and other non-work related websites that you may frequent. Remember you are at work to work not to be entertained.

4. Late or Tardy Arrivals
Don't start your new job with an attendance issue. Being late may suggest that you don't care or take your job seriously. Arriving early to your job gives you a chance to prepare for your work day. You can finish up previous assignments and make a to-do list for the current day. As a new employee you don't want to stand out to management as the person who can't make it to work on time.

5. Unwillingness to accept company policy and procedures
Even if you have industry experience be open to doing things the way that your new company wants them. Implement your ideas and creativity gradually. Your new company may not be receptive to you changing or altering established procedures.

For more career tips go to my website www.resumesolutionsllc.com.

The Aftermath of Being Fired Part III

In this final installment of "The Aftermath of Being Fired", I will explain the necessity of learning how to explain why you were fired.

In the first place, I would not volunteer telling an interviewer that you were fired. However, I would not lie about your reason for separation if asked. Honesty is always the best policy and telling a lie could be grounds for termination if it is discovered. You may not be asked about your reason for separation from an employer that you list on your resume or job application in an initial interview. To be sure in a second or third interview you should be prepared to answer a variety of questions relating to your employment history.

Secondly, if the conversation of you being fired comes up you must learn to effectively communicate what happened without blaming the employer. This can be especially difficult if the firing was recent or if you feel like you were wrongfully terminated. Additionally state what you learned from the situation and how you would handle similar situations in the future. Employers will appreciate the fact that you have learned from your past.

In conclusion remember that being fired is not uncommon. As a matter fact being fired is one of just a few ways that you will separate from an employer. The other common ways people leave employers include: retirement, voluntary termination (quitting), and permanent layoffs.

The Aftermath of Being Fired Part II

As a part of the healing process following a firing you must determine why you were fired. If you don't share the reason with anyone else you should at least have the answer for yourself. Why is it important to answer this question? You may be thinking that you just want to move on with your life. The reason this answer is important is that it will likely impact your future.

If you think you were wrongfully terminated you may want to seek legal assistance. Don't let the thought of not being able to afford a lawyer stop you from pursuing one. There are lawyers that work pro bono and lawyers that work on contingency. Lawyers that work pro bono generally take cases without charging their clients. Lawyers that work on contingency will receive their payment from the proceeds of a settlement.

If you determine that your company fired you with just cause then you will have to think about how you will explain that to a future employer. Most people would not recommend you sharing that you were fired. However, I suggest that you be careful before you follow that line of thinking. You may be told that a previous employer can not tell anyone that you were fired. That statement is partially true as long as you don't sign a consent to conduct a complete background check. If you sign a consent to conduct a background check a potential employer can ask your previous employer specific details relating to your separation from your previous employer. If it is discovered that you lied about being fired you could be immediately terminated again. In Part III of the Aftermath of Being Fired, I will discuss how you should address being fired to future employers.

For more career tips go to www.resumesolutionsllc.com.

The Aftermath of Being Fired Part I

Losing your job because you have been fired can be a traumatic experience. In many cases the firing will cost you to lose your primary source of income. While in other scenarios the firing may cause you to temporarily lose your identity. Many people especially men tie their identity to their job.

Furthermore, getting fired can be difficult to deal with because it seems to suggest that you did something wrong or that you didn't meet the expectations of your previous employer. The most important thing to do after a firing is to allow yourself time to heal. As with any traumatic event you must give yourself time to heal before you move on. Your healing time should be at least a day or two initially.

After you have completed your initial healing you need to apply for unemployment benefits, make a budget, and immediately start your new job search. Applying for unemployment benefits immediately will position you to receive income as soon as possible while you begin your job search. It is equally important that you make a budget or monitor your spending closely if you are unsure of where your next dollar may come from. In Part II of The Aftermath of Being Fired, I will discuss the next steps you must take to move forward.

For more career tips visit: www.resumesolutionsllc.com .

What Is Important to You?

After writing about a number of career topics this year, I am now asking one question.

What is the most factor in your next job? I will create a list of possibilities.

1. Money (Salary)

2. Face to Face interaction with public

3. Upward Mobility

4. Minimum Supervision

5. Office Culture

6. Other

My answer to this question is: (6) other. The most important factor for me in my next job is to have a boss that I can respect. I will work best for a boss that I can respect. I will always respect my boss as a human being but it will be a major plus for me to respect them as my supervisor. My definition of a good boss or supervisor is someone who is fair, consistent, and someone who clearly communicates their expectations of me.

Think about what is most important to you in your next job because you may be asked about it in your next interview.

Don't Let Age Be An Obstacle

This blog is intended for Job Seekers who view their Age as obstacle that keeps them from finding employment. You can not let your age be an obstacle as you pursue employment. After all everyone seeking employment has one thing in common and that is that they are all getting older every single day.

What does Age really mean?

Age in the context of the workforce could speak to the number of years of experience that you have. Experience is the greatest teacher in life. Hopefully, throughout your career you have developed skills that your younger counterparts may not have gained yet.

What are some the advantages of being an older worker?

One advantage of being an older worker could be the ability or skill of adapting to the changing needs of a business. You may think that everyone has this skill but this skill requires maturity to put into practice and is often an important ingredient to a successful business. The next advantage of being an older worker is proven capability. You can communicate to a potential employer in an interview your certainty of achieving the job requirements of a position based on your track record. While your younger competition may have the potential to achieve they don't always have a proven track record of work experience.

What should older workers do as they conduct their Job Search?

Older workers should seek companies that are looking for older workers to hire. They can accomplish this by going online and doing research on this topic. Older workers should also evaluate their skill set and find ways to improve their skills while they are searching for employment. They should especially focus on their basic computer skills if they are uncomfortable with using a computer. Many public libraries offer FREE computer training classes and many colleges provide similar courses but there may be cost involved.

Final Thoughts

Throughout your Job Search you must learn to give your energy to things that you control. Age is not something that you control. However, your view of your age and how it impacts you in terms of finding employment is something you control.

Don't Forget About this Skill

If you are doing a self-assessment of your skills you have probably included in some form your work ethic and the fact you are a team player. However, if you are scratching your head for skills to include I recommend that you include Internet Researcher. Let me show you how you can prove or improve your internet research skills.

Research Companies

One of the most overlooked Job Search tools is not going directly to the websites of companies that interest you. For example I recommend that you create a list of 5 companies that interest you and go directly to their company websites and search for job opportunities. If you have an interview make sure that you thoroughly research the companies website prior to your interview. It will show the interviewer that you are serious about working for their company. Make sure that you are aware of the biggest current happenings at the company.

Research People

If you know who you will be interviewing with you may want to research them so that you can build a connection with them during your interview. In this case you can use websites like Linkedin, BrightFuse, or Facebook to conduct your internet research.

Research Topics

If there is information that you need on any subject then you can search for it on the internet. In short develop methods to find the information that you need quickly. Your skill in doing this could potentially benefit you at your next job.

An Interview Is Not A Job Offer

What does a job interview mean to a job seeker? Momentary relief, a new reason for hope, and perhaps the chance to get the job of your dreams. Although an interview can be a great accomplishment I want to let you all know that "An Interview Is Not A Job Offer".

If you have an upcoming interview prepare for it. Furthermore, make sure that you review the job description of the position you will be interviewing for. Practice answering interview questions and think about stories that will showcase your work experience.

Even though you should approach your job interview with confidence, you don't want to abandon your job search until a formal offer has been made. I know from from personal experience that I have slowed or eliminated my job search activities after I have been informed of an interview. One reason for my action is that I always live by the theory that all I need is an interview and I will definitely get the job. Moreover, the process of searching for a job can be exhausting.

Finally, you may interview well but your qualifications may fall short of your competition. You could also interview well and the potential employer may not be ready to hire you as quickly as you would like. Nevertheless, don't stop your job search until a job offer has been made because "An Interview Is Not A Job Offer".

Begin Your Job Search Immediately

Are you currently unemployed and planning to start your Job Search sometime in the future? If my question sounds like your scenario I urge you to abandon that thinking and begin searching for work now. Finding the job that you want takes time.

In the beginning of this year I increased my Job Searching efforts and it has began to pay dividends. I am proud to say that I have had four face to face interviews this year and three telephone interviews. However, at this point I have not secured employment.

One reason to begin your Job Search immediately is that even after having a successful first interview there may be a second and third interview that will take place before a job offer is made. A question you should ask in closing your first interview is what the time line is for filling the position. That will give you an idea of how long you can expect to wait before a hiring decision will be made.

Another reason to begin your Job Search immediately is that competition is fierce in the workforce. High rates of unemployment are increasing the number of people that you may compete with for any job. If your competition is actively pursuing work you have to be out there too. If you choose to stay on the sidelines you may end up there longer than you want to.

You may be thinking that you want improve your skills in a certain area before you re-enter the workforce. But I recommend that you build your skills on the job if possible, or at least as you search for that job. Few of us start off at any job exactly where we need to be. We have to be teachable and grasp new information quickly as we develop in our new role.

Lastly, you must determine the type of job you want and be able to communicate it in your resume. Write down a list of your transferable skills. Do a self-assessment and be honest with yourself. Determine if you have sufficient skills that will make you a match for potential employers. If the answer to that question is no then you should explore getting additional training or education. If the answer is yes then you need to begin your search immediately.

Tips for Coping With Unemployment

The following is a list of things you want to do if you are faced with unemployment.

• Find out if you qualify for unemployment benefits.
• Discuss the job loss of with your family.
• Update your resume and create a list of references.
• Create your Job Search Plan
• Make time to heal after the job loss.

If you qualify for unemployment benefits you should apply for them immediately. Even if you are unsure apply anyway so that you don't delay the receipt of any benefits you could receive.

It is very important that you discuss your job loss with your family. If you openly discuss your job loss with your family it should be easier for them to understand sacrifices that may become necessary. In addition to doing that it would be a good idea to create a budget.

It is important that you update your resume so that the job you lost is reflected in the past tense. For example you should say worked as....rather than works as.... You should also create a cover letter that introduces your resume. After you finish that create your list of references and a list of the addresses of your former employers on a separate sheet of paper because you will need that information as you complete job applications.

From my personal experience the key to finding a new job after a job loss is consistency. You can achieve this consistency by creating yourself a Job Search Plan. Your Job Search Plan will be created by you and outline the daily activities that you will attempt to find a new job. By charting your activity you will be able to see what is working and which activities need to be increased or decreased. Remember to set goals that are attainable, like the number of jobs you will apply to per day and the number of people that you will network with per week.

Lastly, the most overlooked aspect of dealing with a job loss is dealing with the emotional aspects. Sometimes if you are the victim of a termination or a permanent layoff you may find your thoughts stuck in what you could or should have done differently. While other times the job loss could leave you carrying negative baggage that could slow your progress in finding a new job. You need to come to grips with yourself the real reason the job loss occurred before you can try to explain it to anyone else.

Can't Get No Job Satisfaction

In this blog I will discuss what your approach should be for your job when you despise it. First of all I would hope that no one has a job that they despise. Especially when most of us spend more time at work than we do with our own families. However, the sad reality is that many people who are employed are not satisfied with their job.

Approach

No matter what you should always approach your job with professionalism. Your employee performance or lack of will follow you in your career. Be proactive and handle the tasks that you like least, so that they are handled without you having to be reminded by a supervisor to complete them. Make sure that you handle all your responsibilities and keep a journal of how you dealt with difficult situations. This will help when you interview for your next job.

Attitude

Your attitude can be difficult to manage even if you are the most mature employee. It is easy to feel that the job, the people, and its policies are the cause for your poor attitude. But the bottom is that you are in control of your attitude. You can make the choice to be happy or to bitterly suffer at a job that you despise.

Atmosphere

After you make the choice to be happy then do things to spice up your work atmosphere. If you have a desk, or your own space organize it or decorate so that it cheers you up. Bring in pictures of your family, your favorite sports team, or something that is important to you. If you don't have your own space then just meditate or pray in the space that you occupy. This should give you strength and help you feel renewed.

Alternative

Most of us are not working for the love of what we do. We are working to pay the bills. So when you look at it from that perspective the job you despise may not be that bad after all. If you didn't have that job you might not be able to pay your bills which would lead to another scenario that you could despise.

What's Your Season?

We are currently in the season of winter but we get daily reminder that spring is near.

What season are you in when it comes to your Job Search or Career?

Are you in the winter where opportunity seems bleak or dormant?

Are you in the spring where there is a newness in your air?

Do you sense that things are are about to bloom for you?

Are you blessed to be in the summer in your career?

You are as hot as summertime temperatures and everyday seems to be filled with sunshine.

Are you in the season of fall where your career leaves are changing colors and you are preparing for winter.

Whatever your season make the most of it.

Don't give up because life oftentimes changes like the seasons.

What Am I Doing Wrong?

The question of "What Am I Doing Wrong?" may be a common question that many Job Seekers are asking themselves. Especially after they have been searching for employment for several months. It is natural to think that you could be doing something wrong especially if this is the first time you have been unemployed. You may be thinking that your resume isn't good enough or maybe you think your resume is too long. Whatever your situation is, you may not be doing anything wrong. So stop beating yourself up because that activity won't help. Furthermore, you may be doing a lot things right and it may still take a lot time to generate interviews. In many cases there are more job seekers than there are jobs.

After several months of searching for employment you may even exhaust websites to use in your daily search for employment. My recommendation is to focus on things that you can control. I will provide a brief checklist of activities for Job Seekers:

• Get your resume critiqued and develop a Job Search Plan.
• Create a cover letter to introduce your resume.
• Ask other people you know what they are doing in their Job Search.
• Don't conduct your Job Search alone. Two minds are better than one.
• Research the companies you are interested in for job opportunities.
• Determine if relocation would increase your job prospects.
  

Know matter what never stop believing in yourself. As long as you believe there is an opportunity for things to get better. Watch your tongue and remember to speak positive things into your life.

What Is A Resume?

This blog is inspired by my experiences of critiquing resumes recently. A resume is not a facts sheet and a resume is not a document that lists every job that you have ever held. Furthermore, your resume is not a job application. Your resume is an important document that specifies the job you desire, your qualifications, and your relevant work experience.

As you create your next resume remember your audience. Your audience will probably consist of business owners, human resources personnel, recruiters, and hiring managers. You must specify in your Objective/Summary the position that you desire and how you will use your experiences to contribute to the growth of the company. It is not the job of the people who make the hiring decisions to determine how you will fit into the organization. Don't include information like, "I am seeking a position that will provide challenge and room for growth". This is an employer's market and you must create your resume from the perspective of what you plan to do for the potential employer.

You should also make sure that your resume is keyword rich. If you need help with this then simply conduct a search of a job description for the position you desire then strategically place words from the job description into your new resume.

I would also caution anyone who is following resume templates as they try to create their resume. Resume templates seem to trap many people into creating lesser than resumes.

As I have told many people recently there is no exact science when it comes to creating resumes. However, there are many basic rules that you must follow. To put it very simple, if it doesn't add value to your resume then don't include it on your resume.

Should You Pay For A Resume Critique?

Many Job Seekers are trying a variety of services to help create what they perceive or what they are being told is a perfect resume. Think twice before you start paying for resume advice.

I create and enhance resume for a living and I would not recommend that you pay for a resume critique. From the research that I have done on resumes I have concluded that resume writing is not an exact science. You may ask 3 different resume writers their opinions on how a resume should be constructed and you could get 3 different answers.

If you are wondering how your resume measures up then try these strategies. If you know any Human Resources professionals outside of your job have them critique your resume. They should be able to provide you with some helpful advice. If you belong to any professional online communities like Linkedin or BrightFuse there may be members within those groups who are willing to critique your resume at no charge. Another resource that you should investigate is your local library. Many libraries have staff, software, and paid speakers that can provide you with free resume advice. Lastly, if you are attending school or are a recent graduate there is an excellent chance that your school provides Career Services professionals that can provide you with free resume advice.

Ultimately, you should exhaust all the free resources before you start paying for resume critiques.

Wardrobe Recommendations and Other Tips for Men Attending A Job Fair

If you haven't attended a Job Fair previously or if you aren't sure what to wear to a Job Fair then this blog is for you. When you think of a Job Fair you should think of it as a series of interviews. Therefore, you want to make a good first impression. The way you present yourself can be just as important as the quality of your resume.

In this blog I will cover everything a man needs to know for preparing for a Job Fair.

Face/Ears - Make sure that you have a conservative and neat haircut. If you wear a beard make sure that it is trimmed and very neat. You may even consider going clean shaved until the Job Fair is over. If you wear an earring leave home without it on the day of the Job Fair. An earring could send out the wrong message about you.

Breath - If you smoke or if you think you might have bad breath I suggest that you invest in some breath mints. If you are going to be doing a lot talking this is a good precaution.

Cologne - I do not recommend you wearing cologne to a Job Fair because I wouldn't recommend it in a traditional interview. You don't want to trigger the allergies of an interviewer or rekindle bad memories that a scent could spark.

Attire - If you have a suit you should wear it. Select a white, light blue, or another conservative colored shirt to go with your suit. You then should select a tie that will bring everything together. If you are unsure go to a suit store and tell them you need a shirt and suit for an interview and they should be able to give you some ideas. You can also ask friends and family. Furthermore, you could do an online search of Dress for Success. My recommendations for suit colors would be navy blue, charcoal gray, and black. If you don't have a suit I recommend that you wear a dress shirt that is a nice cotton blend, a nice tie, and a nice pair of slacks.

Hands - Make sure your hands are well manicured. You don't want to have dirty fingernails if you are going to be shaking hands. If you have dry skin make sure you lotion your hands so they aren't ashy.

Shoes- You can go with a nice pair of loafers or a pair of tie up shoes. When it comes to shoe colors I would go with black, brown, or navy blue. Make sure that your shoes are polished. Gym shoes and house shoes are a no-no.

Tattoos - If you have a tattoo make sure that it is covered up.

Portfolio Case - I would invest in a nice portfolio case where you keep copies of your resume, references, and cover letters.


This information should ensure that you are ready for a Job Fair.

Managing Workplace Politics

You may not be a former Class President or a fan of politics in general. However, it is important that you play your cards correctly in the workplace. The following is a list of things to keep in mind:

1. Learn the chain of command and follow it. Think twice before you consider going over your manager's head for something that you want. Even if your manager's manager seems friendly in addressing your needs.

2. Treat everyone they way you would want to be treated. Don't make enemies if you can help it. Someone that is a co-worker today could be your Manager tomorrow. It would be better if that person liked you rather than despise you. If you have a disagreement with a co-worker try to move beyond it, so that it does not turn into something that could be a stumbling block for you.

3. Be conservative at social gatherings. If you are at an office party or an after work gathering it is better to be conservative than to act like you are partying away from work. Senior level managers keep a mental note of who the party animals are within their organization. A bad reputation gained in social gatherings could effect you come promotion time. I would also recommend that you attend the social gatherings, so you aren't accused of thinking that you are better than anyone else.

4. Don't gossip or spread rumors! If someone confides in you then make sure that you don't break that bond by sharing confidential information with co-workers. Uncertainty is present in many workplace situations today so you want to be careful that you don't spread rumors. Rumors can bring down workplace morale and could get you in trouble if you are named as the starter of such stories.

How to Prepare for Re-Entry to the Workforce

I am kicking off February with tips for people preparing to re-enter the workforce.

1. Network - Let everyone you know that you are looking for work. Try to re-establish contacts from previous employers as they may have leads from the "Unpublished Job Market". Be sure to make use of websites like Linkedin because they provide an excellent method of reconnecting with past superiors.

2. Market Yourself - Remember that no company would keep quite about the availability of a new product. Think of yourself and your skills as a hot product and the let the world know when you will be available. You can utilize social media such as Facebook, Twitter, or even Linkedin for this venture.

3. Improve Your Computer Skills - If you know that your computer skills are subpar then take courses to improve your proficiency. No one wants to hire someone that is uncomfortable with a computer. Your local library may be a resource center that can help in this area.

4. Identify Your Transferable Skills - Your transferable skills are skills you have acquired during the course of your professional life. Such examples of transferable skills would include: meeting deadlines, the ability to multitask, writing skills, and research skills.

5. Volunteer - If you can volunteer in your industry then do it. Volunteering can be an excellent method of gaining valuable current experience while you are preparing to re-enter the workforce. Remember when you are volunteering you could be auditioning for your next job. You could also gain an additional reference in the process.

Try these tips as you prepare to re-enter the workforce. If any of my ideas works for you e-mail me @ pbanks@resumesolutionsllc.com and let me know.

Five Tips to Deal with Workplace Conflict

If you are dealing with an unresolved conflict at work here are some tips for handling that conflict.  

(1) Speak directly to the person that is the source of the conflict. Don't do it alone. Make sure there is another witness present so that your words can not be taken out of context.

(2) Speak to a representative from your companies Human Resources Department. You want it documented that you have stated there is a unresolved conflict that you have been dealing with on your job.

(3) Document the events that are occurring that are causing the conflict. Keep a private journal of daily events. Take note of any comparable situations that may be occurring.

(4) Seek counseling if possible. Utilize EAP if your company offers it has a benefit, speak with your spiritual advisor, or seek the assistance of a professional counselor.

(5) Share your troubles with a friend or family member. Your family or friend can start the healing process by listening to you. They may be able to offer you some advice from their experiences.

Remember to use common sense when you deal with workplace conflict. You should also follow your companies chain of command when handling any workplace issue.

10 Things To Avoid When Creating Your Resume

1. Errors - Proofread your resume and have someone else proofread your resume to ensure that your resume is error free before you distribute it.

2. Not Stating the Job You Want - If you know the job you want state it in your Objective or Summary. Don't force recruiters or hiring managers to figure out how you can fit into their organization.

3. Not focusing on Appearance or Layout - Make sure that your resume is easy to read so that decision makers will want to read about you.

4.  Missing Headings - If your resume is longer than one page make sure you have a heading on each page in case your resume gets separated.

5. Using the wrong resume format - Make sure you utilize the chronological format when you create your resume. It is the most accepted resume format.

6. Lack of key words - Make sure that your resume is keyword rich. You can accomplish this by getting a job description of the job you want and strategically placing those words in your new resume.

7. Listing References - References are important but they should be listed on a separate sheet of paper.  Include name of reference, contact information, title, and years known.

8. Failure to show your value - It is your job to demonstrate your value throughout your resume by effectively listing your duties and accomplishments. Remember to add details that make you stand out from your competition.

9. Following resume templates - Be careful if you select a resume template to create your resume. Different industries may require that you have a slightly different resume.

10. Listing old jobs - You do not have to list every job you have ever had on your resume. If you go back ten years you should be fine.

For more on resume go to www.resumesolutionsllc.com. 

Should I Attend A Job Fair?

I recently asked a group of Job Seekers at a career workshop that I was giving there opinion of Job Fairs. My question was raised to get their feedback and to see if anyone had something positive to say. The feedback I received was that Job Fairs are chaotic, a waste of time, and a place to get recruited by insurance companies.

No one in that group offered me the benefits of attending a Job Fair.  So I will now present the benefits of attending a Job Fair and the approach you should take to guarantee it will be a worthwhile investment of your time. 

Firstly, you want to get a list of the companies who are going to be at the Job Fair.  After you obtain that list you should research the companies that interest you so that you are prepared to speak with representatives from those companies.

Secondly, if you haven't gone on an interview in a while a Job Fair is a great place to practice your interview skills. The skills that you want to focus on are giving a firm handshake, making eye contact with the company representative, and demonstrating your value.

Next, you should use the Job Fair as an opportunity to gain information. Speak with company representatives and find out about job opportunities. Pick the brain of a recruiter or company representative and ask them what their ideal candidate looks like.  Network with other job seekers and ask them what they are doing in the quest to find employment. 

Lastly, I would recommend that all Job Seekers attend at least one Job Fair as they search for employment. You have to approach the Job Fair with a positive attitude.  You may not get hired right away, but you may find a lead that helps you land the job of your dreams!

New Year's Resolutions

Well we are off into the first full week of 2010. By now we have all made our New Year's Resolutions. Some of us may have even broken our resolutions. But I am writing this blog as a reminder to Job Seekers that there are 359 more days where a breakthrough can occur for you in 2010.

If you are having a difficult time making a resolution for yourself I will offer my ideas. Firstly, I recommend that you start with "Focus".  Focus on the things that are important to you and forget about the things that can distract you. The things that could serve as distractions could be negative people or bad habits. Secondly, I recommend that you continue by establishing "Higher Expectations".  Maintain the attitude that things will get better in your job search and with life as a whole. So if someone asks you, how is your day going? Don't respond same ole same ole. Respond by saying that so far the day is going well or that know matter what I remaining optimistic.  Lastly, I recommend that you include "Planning". Long lasting success does not happen by chance. Plan each day so that you can make the most of your time. Time is precious because it is something we can never get back. Plan to wake up as you would if you were working and go to bed as if you were working.  During the day plan an activity that will help you find work or an opportunity to produce an income stream.

So now if you don't have a New Year's Resolution or if you have broken the one you set here is a chance to start over! You can even borrow from my suggestions, I won't tell!