The Student Source

Your Résumé vs. Oblivion

2012-01-28T13:17:00.002-05:00

Inundated Companies Resort to Software to Sift Job Applications for Right Skills

By LAUREN WEBER, contributions from Rachel Emma Silverman
(Source: www.WSJ.com)

Many job seekers have long suspected their online employment applications disappear into a black hole, never to be seen again. Their fears may not be far off the mark, as more companies rely on technology to winnow out less-qualified candidates.
Recruiters and hiring managers are overwhelmed by the volume of résumés pouring in, thanks to the weak job market and new tools that let applicants apply for a job with as little as one mouse click. The professional networking website LinkedIn recently introduced an "apply now" button on its job postings that sends the data in a job seeker's profile directly to a potential employer.
While job boards and networking websites help companies broadcast openings to a wide audience, potentially increasing the chance the perfect candidate will reply, the resulting flood of applications tends to include a lot of duds. Most recruiters report that at least 50% of job hunters don't possess the basic qualifications for the jobs they are pursuing.
To cut through the clutter, many large and midsize companies have turned to applicant-tracking systems to search résumés for the right skills and experience. The systems, which can cost from $5,000 to millions of dollars, are efficient, but not foolproof.
Ed Struzik, an International Business Machines Corp. expert on the systems, puts the proportion of large companies using them in the "high 90%" range, and says it would "be very rare to find a Fortune 500 company without one."
At many large companies the tracking systems screen out about half of all résumés, says John Sullivan, a management professor at San Francisco State University.
No wonder: Starbucks Corp. attracted 7.6 million job applicants over the past 12 months for about 65,000 corporate and retail job openings; Procter & Gamble Inc. got nearly a million applications last year for 2,000 new positions plus vacant jobs. Both companies use the systems.
Although they originally evolved to help employers scan paper résumés into a database, do basic screening and trace an applicant's path through the interview and hiring process, today's tracking systems are programmed to scan for keywords, former employers, years of experience and schools attended to identify candidates of likely interest. Then, they rank the applicants. Those with low scores generally don't make it to the next round.
The screening systems are one way companies are seeking to cut the costs of hiring a new employee, which now averages $3,479, according to human-resources consulting firm Bersin & Associates. Big companies, many of which cut their human-resources staffs during the recession, now spend about 7% of their external recruitment budgets on applicant-tracking systems, the firm says.
At PNC Financial Services Group, which has used the tracking software for 15 years, an applicant for a bank-teller job is filtered out if his résumé doesn't indicate that he has two to three years of cash-handling experience. PNC emails rejected applicants within a day, suggesting they search its website for jobs for which they are better qualified, says Jillian Snavely, senior recruiting manager.
A recruiter reviews applicants who make it through the first cut, which includes the résumé screening and a brief questionnaire about relevant skills. Those applicants get a live or automated phone interview.
Tracking software has its pitfalls. It may miss the most-qualified applicant if that person doesn't game the system by larding his or her résumé with keywords from the job description, according to Mark Mehler, co-founder of consulting firm Career Xroads, which advises companies on staffing.
But the idea isn't to replace human screeners entirely. Experts say the systems simply narrow the field to a size hiring managers can handle. They also stress that, despite advances in the software, the single best method of getting a job remains a referral from a company employee.
One small error, such as listing the name of a former employer after the years worked there, instead of before, can ruin a great candidate's chances.
"There are some things parsers are just too stupid to figure out," says Bersin & Associates Chief Executive Josh Bersin. And they do add to job seekers' impression that submitting applications online is largely futile, even after that person customizes a résumé for a job that seems a natural fit.
"I kind of wonder if some of the jobs I'm applying to even exist," says Asa Denton, a 31-year-old software programmer in Reno, Nev., who has been job hunting for four months.
Elaine Orler, president of Talent Function Group LLC and an expert on the tracking systems, says they should be more candidate-friendly. In the future, she says, forward-thinking companies will allow applicants to check the status of their applications online. The bottom line, she adds: "Candidates deserve respect."
For all their flaws, recruiters generally prefer the automated systems. Texas Roadhouse Inc., a restaurant operator with 350 locations, plans to adopt a tracking system this year to handle the flow of applications for hourly jobs.
Julie Juvera, head of human resources at the chain's headquarters in Louisville, Ky., says she gets as many as 400 résumés for a job opening within 24 hours after listing it online. "We used to hand-write a postcard to every single applicant saying 'thank you so much for applying.' But that's become too overwhelming and tedious."
Now the company sends an automated email to an applicant to tell him his résumé is being reviewed, and that it will contact him if it considers him for a job.
Résumé overload isn't just a big-company problem. Job seekers often are surprised when they don't hear back from small businesses. These businesses rarely hire enough people to make an applicant-tracking system cost-effective, but even a one-time posting on a well-trafficked job board like Monster.com can garner hundreds of responses.
Only 19% of hiring managers at small companies look at a majority of the résumés they receive, and 47% say they review just a few, according to a recent survey by Information Strategies Inc., publisher of Your HR Digest, an online newsletter.
When Mr. Denton, the software programmer, sent his résumé to Google, Inc. and Walt Disney Co., he wasn't terribly surprised when he received nothing but an email acknowledgment, but he expected a more personal response from a small Reno company.
When he called to ask for an update on his application, he was told the company's vice president was in charge of hiring, and surmised that the executive was too busy to read through the submissions. "What I'm going to do is turn up on their doorstep," says Mr. Denton. "I really have nothing to lose."

Below, five tips to up your odds:
1. Forget about being creative. Instead, mimic the keywords in the job description as closely as possible. If you're applying to be a sales manager, make sure your résumé includes the words "sales" and "manage" (assuming you've done both!).
2. Visit the prospective employer's website to get a sense of the corporate culture. Do they use certain words to describe their values? If a firm has a professed interest in environmental sustainability, include relevant volunteer work or memberships on your résumé. The company may have programmed related keywords into its resume screening software.
3. Keep the formatting on your résumé simple and streamlined—you don't want to perplex the software. With a past position, the system "sometimes gets confused about which is the company, which is the position, and which are the dates you worked there," especially if they're all on a single line, says Mr. Bersin. To make sure you hit all the categories, put them on separate lines. And "don't get cute with graphics and layout," says Mr. Rueff.
4. Some screening systems assign higher scores to elite schools. You may not have gotten your B.A. from a top-tier university, but if you attended a continuing-education class at one, include such qualifications on your résumé.
5. But don't ever lie or exaggerate just to get through the screening process. Recruiters and ATSs are savvy about tricks jobseekers use (such as typing false qualifications in white font). "You don't want to get through the black hole and find out it's a worse hole you got yourself into," Mr. Rueff says.

Professional/Personal Development Video Resources

2012-01-21T16:23:00.004-05:00

Great Video Resources from CNN’s Ask the Experts:

http://money.cnn.com/video/pf/2011/10/12/pf_ate_student_loans.cnnmoney/

http://money.cnn.com/video/pf/2011/12/22/pf_ate_jobs_outlook_2012.cnnmoney/

http://money.cnn.com/video/pf/2011/12/20/pf_ate_investing_in_college.cnnmoney/

http://money.cnn.com/video/pf/2011/03/28/pf_ate_advsr.cnnmoney/

How to customize your career

2012-01-11T13:52:00.001-05:00

(Source www.cnn.com)
By Cathy Benko
Editor's note: Cathy Benko is Vice Chairman and Managing Principal - Brand, Deloitte LLP. She is a best-selling author of books including The Corporate Lattice: Achieving High Performance in the Changing World of Work (Harvard 2010), Mass Career Customization: Aligning the Workplace with Today's Nontraditional Workforce (Harvard 2007).

Whenever I trade my smart phone in for a smarter model, I feel good that I'm back on the leading edge of mobile technology. And I may well be, but never for long. It seems that just as I pry the gadget's box open, an even faster, sleeker version is being touted in the tech blogs and showing up on the store shelves.

Inevitably buyer's remorse sets in as I chastise myself: "if only I had waited." Innovation cycles have surely accelerated, with each offering more customization and a promise of being better.
Perhaps you've noticed that something similar is happening in the workplace. A career, even for well-educated, seasoned professionals, seems harder to sustain in this challenging economy.

You may feel like the shelf life of your skills is getting shorter. Even as unemployment rates remain persistently high, it's expected that in the United States only 20% of workers will have the skills needed for 60% of the jobs in the coming years. That's daunting for employers and employees alike.

While companies are struggling to find the skilled talent they need, many individuals are struggling to stay relevant in the briskly changing talent marketplace. These twin tensions can leave top management and managers scratching their heads about how to cultivate and keep a stable, aptly skilled and engaged workforce. Individuals wonder if they should abandon current career paths to pursue high-demand opportunities where they must start from scratch.

Luckily we can take a page from a fast-growing innovation in the worlds of product and increasingly services, that can provide a release valve: mass customization. Yep, you can customize your phone with apps, you can customize coffee drinks and even some of the clothes on your back (and shoes on your feet). Imagine, as well, that you can customize your career to better match the needs of your company and your own career-life fit.

With this so-called mass customization of careers, individuals can co-design with their managers a zigzag sequence of jobs that are skill-developing opportunities.
Rather than climb straight up a traditional corporate ladder, think of making strategic, lateral moves - on a corporate lattice - that are advantageous for you and your organization.
You can hone your strongest skills in more varied circumstances. That way you can have more control over your career-life fit with the flexibility to move in various directions in a customized career trajectory.

This approach isn't just good for the individual. Companies gain a more versatile, collaborative -- and engaged -- talent base by moving employees up, down and across the business in strategic ways. It also affects financial performance since holding onto experienced employees drives corporate talent acquisition costs down, positively impacting the bottom line.

Career customization is about enabling workers, not simply entitling them. Employees and employers share the responsibility and the opportunity of openly discussing choices and trade-offs -- for the individual and the firm. Done well, this gives organizations powerful collateral to retain employees, and attract new ones, as it becomes known as a place where a high performance culture and a sustainable career-life fit are inextricably linked.

For employees, it means building a sustainable career with varied skillsets, more future career options, and an ability to build and enhance their personal brand. Consider the following as you develop and manage your own customized career:

1. Mark yourself to market by taking inventory of your skills, experiences and capabilities, valuing their market relevance, and positioning them all as a portfolio to create a consistent and compelling impression. Ask yourself the tough question: "How well am I doing at acquiring sought-after skills and competencies?" Take action when you don't like the answer. Also, assess how well you are building your personal brand and what it says and means to others.

2. Maximize option value by actively seeking out those opportunities to build new skills -- either in your current role or by taking on a new role at your organization. Ask yourself what actions you can take to create alternative futures for yourself — and greater value for your company. The more valuable you are to your organization, the more options you will have both inside and outside its walls.

3. Optimize your career-life fit by asking yourself what you most need -- and what trade-offs you are willing to accept -- to be fulfilled in your profession, family, community and other pursuits at any point in time, and over time.
Career customization may be one viable solution to help fill the gap between the growing talent shortage and the need to build sustainable, adaptive careers.
(Direct Link: http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/11/opinion/customize-career-benko/index.html?npt=NP1)

Five things hiring managers won't tell you

2011-12-21T14:57:00.003-05:00

By Robert Half, CareerBuilder.com

Boy, wouldn't the ability to read minds come in handy during the job interview? At the risk of stating the obvious, who wouldn't love to know what hiring managers really think about your qualifications or what they consider the perfect answer to a certain question? Armed with this information, you'd be a step ahead of other job applicants.
Unfortunately, none of us have this skill. But you can get a peek into the minds of most hiring managers. Read on to find out what they're likely thinking but won't admit.

1) 'I haven't had time to prepare.'
Chances are you aren't the only person with which the potential employer will be meeting. The hiring manager may have a dozen or more interviews lined up. And between those meetings, he or she has everyday job duties to tackle, too.
The truth is the hiring manager may not have had time to review your résumé in great depth before sitting down with you. He or she might not even have a copy handy. That means you should bring extra copies with you, printed on high-quality paper.
Also, make sure you are familiar with your résumé. When was the last time you looked at it? This is especially important if you've sent different versions of your résumé to various employers. If necessary, you want to be able to summarize your work experience and main qualifications within 30 seconds to help guide the interviewer.

2) 'What you wear matters to me.'
First impressions count, and the way you dress significantly impacts how you come across to the hiring manager. Show up wearing a T-shirt and jeans, and the person will likely wonder about your professionalism and true desire to land the job. Make the best impression by donning a clean, well-fitted suit or similar outfit.

3) 'I've heard that one before.'
Saying that your greatest weakness is that you "work too hard" or "can't help but be a perfectionist" can set off warning bells to a hiring manager, because these types of responses are clichéd. Not only will you come across as insincere, you run the risk of being quickly forgotten thanks to your generic answer.
Before the interview, consider how you will answer routine questions such as, "What's your greatest weakness?" and practice with a friend to help hone your responses. You don't want to be so forthright — "I've never met a deadline I could keep!" — that you harm your chances of landing the job, but you do want to seem genuine. Cite a real weakness that won't cause the employer to question your ability to do the job, and note the steps you are taking to overcome it.
4) 'I may try to make you uncomfortable.'
Hiring managers know all the tricks in the book. And they use them to make you uneasy. The reason? Not to torment you. Rather, they're hopeful that being knocked off your game a little will help elicit more insight into how you handle challenging situations.
So, what can you expect? Off-the-wall interview questions, for one. If you're asked how many Ping-Pong balls it would take to fill a jumbo jet or why manhole covers are round, don't panic. Take a moment, and walk the interviewer through your thought process. He or she wants to see if you can think on your feet.
Another tactic hiring managers use is to stretch out the pauses between questions. We all know how awkward they can be. Resist the temptation to fill the dead air. If you're satisfied with the answer you gave, wait for the employer to make the next move. Over-answering is a great way to put your foot in your mouth.

5) 'I'd like to impress you.'
Job seekers often forget that they aren't the only ones on display during the interview. This meeting is also a chance for the hiring manager to convince you that joining his or her firm is the right choice for your career.
When given the opportunity, ask questions that will allow the employer to open up about the company and his or her time there. For example, you might inquire about the person's own career progression. This can yield valuable information about the growth potential at the firm.

Don’t Just Sit There, Work Out at Your Desk

2011-12-08T11:38:00.005-05:00

The “walking meeting”: Managers at Salo, a financial staffing firm in Minneapolis, conduct business while using treadmills in a conference room.

(Photo source: Ben Garvin for The New York Times)

(Article source: www.NYT.com, Published: December 3, 2011)

By ERIC V. COPAGE

EVERY day, millions of American workers do something dangerous to their health: they sit down.

Sitting for long periods is hard on the body. It strains the back and causes the muscles to become slack. It slows the processes that metabolize calories, increasing the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.

People might think they are protecting themselves from such problems if they exercise outside of working hours. And employers may pat themselves on the back if they offer their workers subsidized gym memberships. But regular exercise doesn’t entirely make up for the shutdown of chemical processes that occurs during long periods of sitting, research has shown.

There is a solution to the evils of sitting: make it a point to get up and move throughout the workday. Workers can take this insight to heart by sitting on an exercise ball or standing while working, by using the stairs instead of the elevator, or even by walking over to a co-worker’s desk instead of sending an instant message. Every little bit helps.
Now some employers are going a step further, by aligning the “move while you work” mandate with the corporate culture. They hope to improve their employees’ health and to lower medical costs in the process.

Salo, a financial staffing firm in Minneapolis, for example, encourages walking meetings. In a conference room, Salo has set up four treadmill desks, where a height-adjustable working surface is placed above the treadmill track. The desks face one another, so that people can walk and take care of business at the same time.

“It took a bit of adjustment,” said Craig Dexheimer, Salo’s director of operations and administration. “It’s normal to walk and talk at the gym, but in an office setting it was a bit strange at first.” In a separate room, Salo has set up six treadmill desks, complete with computers. Employees are free to use them for a session of walking and working. They can also take Ping-Pong breaks on a table set up in the office.

In 2007, Mr. Dexheimer helped organize a study headed by Dr. James A. Levine, a researcher at the Mayo Clinic, on the effects of increased movement in the workplace.
For six months, the activities of 18 employees — including Mr. Dexheimer — were monitored by a device on their belts. With the help of equipment like the treadmill desks and wireless headsets that permit walking while talking on the phone, the employees collectively lost more than 150 pounds, most of it in body fat. Their cholesterol and triglyceride levels also showed a collective decline. Mr. Dexheimer said he lost 25 pounds, and has kept the weight off.

For some workers, taking short exercise breaks may be practical and still effective. Toni Yancey, a professor in the department of health services at the University of California, Los Angeles, has found that while some professionals prefer to exercise while working, other workers do best with “structured group activity breaks,” or what she called a “10-minute recess.”

That’s a strategy used at HealthBridge, a clinic in Great Neck, N.Y., where an employees’ area often resembles a mini-exercise room. During a break, one employee might do bicep curls using water bottles, while another might have her back to the counter where the office copier sits, with her hands placed shoulder-width apart on the countertop, doing triceps dips.

Two years ago, when Dr. David G. Edelson, the clinic’s founder, suggested incorporating light exercise breaks and movement into the workday, the general reaction was: “Are we really going to get up and do these things?” said Jennifer Alexatos, the clinic’s marketing manager. “There was a lot of giggling and laughing.”

But the program has since been embraced by most of the clinic’s 25 employees, said Ms. Alexatos, who takes two 10-minute exercise breaks a day.

AS HealthBridge’s experience has shown, a push from management can help more employees keep active during the workday. That’s why New Balance, the footwear company based in Boston, tried a 30-day pilot program that included the sending of daily e-mail messages to employees with ideas for staying active at work. One suggestion was to do stretches and use resistance bands, even during meetings. The company plans to adopt the program next spring in its Boston and Lawrence, Mass., offices.

“I swapped out my chair for a balance ball,” said Lisa Mahoney, an associate marketing manager at the company. Sitting on the ball, “you’re always moving a little bit when you’re on the phone or typing your e-mail,” she said.

She also gets up more often and takes the stairs rather than the elevator. “You have a burst of energy when you come back to your desk.”

10 Secrets of Successful Leaders

2011-11-18T13:33:00.003-05:00

By Kara Ohngren

(Source: http://www.entrepreneur.com)

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader, a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.” But, becoming a great leader isn’t easy. Successfully maneuvering a team through the ups and downs of starting a new business can be one of the greatest challenges a small-business owner faces.

Leadership is one of the areas that many entrepreneurs tend to overlook, according leadership coach John C. Maxwell, whose books include The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership (Thomas Nelson, 1998) and Developing the Leader Within You (Thomas Nelson, 1993).

“You work hard to develop your product or service. You fight to solve your financial issues. You go out and promote your business and sell your product. But you don't think enough about leading your own people and finding the best staff,” Maxwell says.

It turns out, the skills and talents necessary to guide your team in the right direction can be simple, and anyone with the determination can develop them. Here’s a list of 10 tips drawn from the secrets of successful leaders.

1. Assemble a dedicated team.
Your team needs to be committed to you and the business. Successful entrepreneurs have not only social and selling smarts, but also the know-how to hire effectively, says leadership trainer Harvey Mackay, who wrote Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive (Ivy Books, 1995). “A colossal business idea simply isn't enough. You have to be able to identify, attract and retain talent who can turn your concept into a register-ringing success,” he says.
When putting your team together, look for people whose values are aligned with the purpose and mission of your company. Suzanne Bates, a Wellesley, Mass.-based leadership consultant and author of Speak Like a CEO (McGraw Hill, 2005), says her team members rallied around each other during the worst part of the recession because they all believed in what they were doing. “Having people on your team who have tenacity and a candid spirit is really important," she says.

2. Overcommunicate.
This one’s a biggie. Even with a staff of only five or 10, it can be tough to know what’s going on with everyone. In an effort to overcommunicate, Bates compiles a weekly news update she calls a Friday Forecast, and emails it to her staff. “My team is always surprised at all the good news I send out each week,” Bates says. “It makes everyone feel like you really have a lot of momentum, even in difficult times.”

3. Don’t assume.
When you run a small business, you might assume your team understands your goals and mission -- and they may. But, everybody needs to be reminded of where the company’s going and what things will look like when you get there. Your employees may ask, “What’s in it for me?” It’s important to paint that picture for your team. Take the time to really understand the people who are helping you build your business.

“Entrepreneurs have the vision, the energy, and they’re out there trying to make it happen. But, so often with their staff, they are assuming too much,” says Beverly Flaxington, founder of The Collaborative, a business-advising company in Medfield, Mass. “It’s almost like they think their enthusiasm by extension will be infectious -- but it’s not. You have to bring people into your world and communicate really proactively.”

4. Be authentic.
Good leaders instill their personality and beliefs into the fabric of their organization, Flaxington says. If you be yourself, and not try to act like someone else, and surround yourself with people who are aligned with your values, your business is more likely to succeed, she says.

“Every business is different and every entrepreneur has her own personality,” Flaxington says. “If you’re authentic, you attract the right people to your organization -- employees and customers.”

5. Know your obstacles.
Most entrepreneurs are optimistic and certain that they’re driving toward their goals. But, Flaxington says, it’s a short-sighted leader who doesn’t take the time to understand his obstacles.

“You need to know what you’re up against and be able to plan around those things,” she says. “It’s folly to think that just because you’ve got this energy and enthusiasm that you’re going to be able to conquer all. It’s much smarter to take a step back and figure out what your obstacles are, so the plan that you’re putting into place takes that into account.”

6. Create a 'team charter.'
Too many new teams race down the road before they even figure out who they are, where they’re going, and what will guide their journey, says Ken Blanchard, co-author of The One-Minute Manager (William Morrow & Co., 1982) and founder of The Ken Blanchard Cos., a workplace- and leadership-training firm. Just calling together a team and giving them a clear charge does not mean the team will succeed.

“It’s important to create a set of agreements that clearly states what the team is to accomplish, why it is important and how the team will work together to achieve the desired results,” says Blanchard, who is based in Escondido, Calif. “The charter provides a record of common agreements and can be modified as the business grows and the team’s needs change.”

7. Believe in your people.
Entrepreneurial leaders must help their people develop confidence, especially during tough times. As Napoleon Bonaparte said, "Leaders are dealers in hope." That confidence comes in part from believing in your team, says Maxwell, who is based in West Palm Beach, Fla. “I think of my people as 10s, I treat them like 10s, and as a result, they try to perform like 10s,” he says. “But believing in people alone isn't enough. You have to help them win.”

8. Dole out credit.
Mackay says a good salesperson knows what the sweetest sound in the world is: The sound of their name on someone else's lips. But too many entrepreneurs think it's either the crinkle of freshly minted currency, or the dull thud of a competitor's body hitting the pavement.

“Many entrepreneurs are too in love with their own ideas and don't know how to distribute credit,” Mackay says. “A good quarterback always gives props to his offensive line.”

9. Keep your team engaged.
Great leaders give their teams challenges and get them excited about them, says leadership expert Stephen Covey, author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People (Free Press, 1989). He pointed to the example of a small pizza shop in a moderate-sized town that was killing a big fast-food chain in sales. The big difference between the chain and the small pizza joint was the leader, he says.

Every week he gathered his teenage employees in a huddle and excitedly asked them: “What can we do this week that we’ve never done before?” The kids loved the challenge. They started texting all their friends whenever a pizza special was on. They took the credit-card machine to the curb so passing motorists could buy pizza right off the street. They loaded up a truck with hot pizzas and sold them at high-school games. The money poured in and the store owner never had problems with employee turnover, says Covey, who is based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

10. Stay calm.
An entrepreneur has to backstop the team from overreacting to short-term situations, says Mackay, who is based in Minneapolis. This is particularly important now, when news of the sour economic environment is everywhere.

“The media has been hanging black crepe paper since 2008,” he says. “But look at all the phenomenal companies and brands that were born in downturns, names like iPod, GE and Federal Express.”

Blog Your Way to a Better Career

2011-11-16T11:30:00.003-05:00

By Penelope Trunk (Source: www.cnn.com)

Editor's note: Penelope Trunk is the co-founder of Brazen Careerist, a career management tool for next-generation professionals, and writes a blog at penelopetrunk.com.

(CNN) -- Do you know why you should have a blog?

Because people who use their blog as a career tool do better in their careers than people who don't.

The evidence for this is strong.

Pew Research was one of the first mainstream think tanks to study bloggers as a whole, in 2005, and Pew found that people who blog are generally higher earners. Jobvite shows that people who use social media to find a job end up finding jobs that are a better fit. And LinkedIn is so convinced that bloggers do better in their careers than nonbloggers that it has added features to enable people to simulate blogging right on its site.

To be clear, I'm not recommending that you become a professional blogger. You should not try to get a lot of traffic on your blog. And really, trying to earn money from your blog is a lost cause.

What you should do is think of your blog as a better form of a resume.

An old-school resume is static, and it focuses on what you have done in the past, rather than what you can do now.

A blog focuses on your ideas -- how you think and what you are thinking about. You need to spend very little time on your blog in order to get the advantage that bloggers have in the workforce.

Besides earning you more money, here are some other ways that blogging can help your career.

1. Career change is easier with a blog.

Most people have trouble with career change because they know what they want to do but they can't get a job doing it. A blog allows you to show people your ideas and your investigations in a given field. Make your blog an exploration of the field you want to be in, and sooner than you realize, you will be qualified to be hired in that field.

This is not rare. It happens all the time, in a very wide range of fields.

2. You can skip over entry-level job tracks with a blog.

Because a blog focuses on your ideas, rather than your experience, you are more likely to be able to persuade someone to let you skip the bottom rung.

Also, as you are linking and responding to other bloggers in your field, you are building a network of people who know you as someone with a reputation in the field, and they can help you land a job above entry-level.

3. Part-time work is easier to get if you have a blog.

Pew Research reports that most moms would rather work part-time than have a full-time job or be a stay-at-home mom. This means that almost every mom is the U.S. is competing for the jobs that are engaging, well-paying and part-time. How do you stand out in this crowd?

A blog is a differentiator when the competition to get the job you want is fierce. You don't need a lot of readers; you just need one reader who is able to hire you and is impressed with what you post.

4. Long-term unemployment can be overcome by blogging.

If you've been out of work for a while, your resume probably has a hole in it, and your network is waning. A blog can solve both problems by showing you as intellectually vibrant and engaged in your field. Your blog is a better calling card than a resume if you have been out of the workforce.

5. Blogging builds a network super fast.

LinkedIn is a great way to display the people in your network. But how do you build that network?

By making real connections with people based on ideas and passions. A blog is the perfect way to meet other people who think like you do and who are in your field. Blogging also allows you to focus your connections on other top performers, since blogging about career topics self-selects for engaged, motivated, ambitious people.

If you want a stable career, and if you want to take charge of where you're going, then you should be blogging. If you already have a blog, here's how to make it better. And if you do not have one, here's a good place to start.

Should you include volunteer work on a resume?

2011-10-20T13:00:00.002-04:00

Source: CNN MONEY, October 20, 2011: 11:26 AM ET
By Katherine Reynolds Lewis

With many talented workers experiencing stretches of unemployment, employers are taking a harder look at unpaid experience. Here's what to include -- and what to leave out.

Scale Computing chief executive Jeff Ready recently was interviewing job candidates for a position whose duties included coordinating all-hands meetings at the Indianapolis-based manufacturer. One prospective employee's resume included her experience planning an annual fundraiser for a local charity, several years in a row.
"To me, that experience was awesome. She had done it for four to five years; she obviously liked doing it, or she wouldn't have done it for free," says Ready.
The volunteer work stood out because her resume described the event planning experience and how many attendees were involved, making it clear that it was a substantial amount of responsibility. "You've got that four or five-second opportunity to say something that's going to grab my attention," Ready says. "In that case it was that I'm the lead event planner for the big charity event."
Increasingly, corporate bosses like Ready are taking note of job candidates' volunteer efforts. They recognize that in the recent recession, talented employees may have had stretches of unemployment that they filled with unpaid work. A recent LinkedIn (LNKD) survey found that 41% of hiring managers consider volunteer experience equally valuable as paid work.
But workers still feel nervous about what experience to include and how to be honest while also presenting in the best light. LinkedIn found that 89% of professionals surveyed had volunteer experience, but only 45% included it on their resume.
"People are wondering whether it's considered as legitimate as paid work experience," says Carol Fishman Cohen, co-founder of career reentry programming company iRelaunch.com. "What we're hearing on the employer side is that if the volunteer experience is relevant to your career goal, include it."
For instance, a medical social worker who took a career break to care for her children parlayed her volunteer work at a hospice into a paid position at another hospice, as a volunteer manager. She hopes that job will lead to work as a medical social worker. "She's in an environment where medical social workers are walking in every day telling her where are the best places to work and who's hiring," Cohen notes.
When including relevant unpaid work on your resume, you can either create a separate section called "volunteer experience" or lump it in with your paid jobs under a heading simply titled "experience." Be sure to use active verbs, be specific and quantify your accomplishments -- just as you do with anything else on your resume.
Sometimes, experience outside your field can be included to demonstrate commitment and character. David Bertorello, president of mortgage brokerage BTS Lending, puts on his resume his long-time volunteer work for Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership, because it's a cause that's close to his heart.
"I want my employers to know I have things I'm involved with. I don't want it to come up as a surprise that I have this commitment," says Bertorello, who devotes at least 150 hours a year to HOBY. "Hopefully it's showing them that I'm well-rounded…. It also breaks the ice in work relationships."
Some volunteer experience at well-known organizations can instantly signal your ability to follow through on a challenging goal. Whenever Marty Scheller, partner of Scheller's Fitness & Cycling, sees that a job candidate achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, he calls that person in for an interview at the Louisville, Ky., retailer.
"I always want to talk to them. I don't always hire them," Scheller says. "To get that particular honor, it takes a young person who's driven.... It's usually a pretty good barometer for character…."
Don't get carried away and start loading your resume with every single good deed. You don't want a laundry list that hides your true accomplishments -- or to end up embarrassed if the interviewer asks about something and you can't speak about it in-depth.
"You don't want to just put something to say you've done volunteer work," advises Miriam Salpeter, a job search coach and author of Social Networking for Career Success. "Anything that was a one-time thing, or twice a year, it may not be significant."
Some argue that job applicants should think twice about including volunteer experience related to the often-touchy subjects of religion, politics, and sexual orientation.
Cohen says that some stay-at-home mothers worry about including experience at the Parent Teacher Association. "Sometimes there's a stigma associated with that because it screams suburban mom."
On the other hand, if you were PTA president or had substantial responsibilities within the organization, your accomplishments may be so significant that you wouldn't want to ignore them.
Moreover, if your volunteer work demonstrates something important about you and your life -- whether it's your children, sexual orientation, or religion -- would you want to work for an employer that would discriminate against you because of it?
"All those things help paint a better picture of you as an individual," Graham says. "You wouldn't want to work for an organization where you'd have to hide it."

Thou shalt look professional: 10 commandments of workplace dress

2011-10-12T14:36:00.002-04:00

By Beth Braccio Hering, Special to CareerBuilder

In a 2010 national poll conducted by the Center for Professional Excellence at York College of Pennsylvania, "appearance" ranked second only to "communication skills" when respondents named qualities most often associated with professionalism. "How an individual dresses for work can be a powerful extension of his personal brand," says Matthew Randall, executive director of the CPE. "Clothes, accessories and even the footwear an employee chooses to wear help to reinforce or diminish his skills and qualities in the eyes of his employer, co-workers and clients."
Universal dress rules can't be set in stone, because what is considered appropriate varies by workplace, field and what is happening on a given day. But if such a tablet were to be created, there's a good chance it would include the following:

1. Modesty is a virtue.
Get noticed for your great work, not your tight pants, overdone makeup, short skirt or cleavage-revealing shirt.
"Nothing undermines how you are perceived in business as leaving nothing to the imagination," says Chris Hauri, founder of Mirror Image, a Chicago-based image and identity consultancy.

2. Keep holy the casual Friday.
Yes, the workweek is almost done -- the key word being almost. "Casual Fridays are a recipe for fashion disasters," says Lizandra Vega, author of "The Image of Success: Make a Great Impression and Land the Job You Want." Don't jump the gun by wearing your weekend plans, whether that be catching some rays in a halter top and short shorts or cleaning out the garage in your college sweatshirt and cut-offs.

3. Thou shalt wear the right shoes.
Your feet should look prepared for work. Vega suggests skipping flip-flops and other open-toe shoes, while Hauri notes, "High high heels may be fashionable, but not for actually working. Image conveyed: I can't pitch in and do any work because I really can't walk in these things. Want to be a team player? Wear flats."

4. Honor thy leaders.
Not sure what is appropriate for casual Friday or a client meeting? Look around. "The wisest employees often observe and take cues from the most respected individuals within their organization on what is appropriate workplace attire," Randall says.
5. Thou shalt not steal thy boss's tie.
Keep in mind that taking cues from those above does not mean replicating their wardrobe piece for piece. Instead of coming off as a lemming, find comparable styles, colors and accessories that work for you.

6. Control thy festiveness.
Wearing seasonal colors is one thing, looking like Santa's elf is another. Randall recalls a story about a co-worker who exuberantly over-accessorized her outfits to fit the holidays. "Her overzealousness caused her co-workers to snicker, and she became unofficially known as 'the walking calendar.' Moral of the story: Your workplace wardrobe should enhance your professional skills and qualities, not detract from them."

7. Remember the good book.
Whether you are questioning what constitutes an acceptable variation of a uniform or wondering about the company's stance on jeans, chances are the employee handbook has the answer. Still trying to decide if you should cover up a tattoo? Seek the advice of a trusted mentor, human resources representative or immediate supervisor.

8. Thou shalt notice what year it is.
Congratulations on taking such good care of your clothing that items from 1983 are still "fine" today. Now put these relics in the Goodwill box where they should have landed years ago. While one need not be a fashionista, looking outdated can give the impression that you lack fresh ideas.

9. Err on the side of caution.
Worried that your casual Friday outfit might be too relaxed or that a bright orange shirt might not be received well by a new client? Avoid the guesswork – and the corresponding nervousness – by making safer choices when in doubt.

10. Dress for the job thou want.
A final tidbit: "My advice for everyone, no matter what age or gender, is to dress for the job you want, not the one you're in," Hauri says. "Unless you're happy with where you are, which is just fine."

Beth Braccio Hering researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder. Follow @Careerbuilder on Twitter.
Copyright 2011 CareerBuilder.com. All rights reserved. The information contained in this article may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior written authority.
Article ReprintsPermission must be obtained from CareerBuilder.com to reprint any of its articles. Please send a request to cbreprints@permissionsgroup.com.

How to Look and Act Like a Leader

2011-09-24T15:27:00.003-04:00

By JOANN S. LUBLIN

(Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904140604576498380000356032.html?mod=WSJ_Careers_CareerManagement)

Savvy executives know the part, act the part and look the part. That's because they exude "executive presence," a broad term used to describe the aura of leadership.

For Janie Sharritt, now a vice president at Sara Lee Corp., an image makeover helped her gain the managerial gravitas that she needed to advance further up the ladder.

In 2005, Ms. Sharritt was a newly promoted middle manager for another consumer-products manufacturer. She preferred to wear a ponytail, scant makeup, khakis, sweaters and loafers. But by taking a "Power of Image" workshop led by image coach Jonna Martin, she got an expert makeover. Her revamped look included a sophisticated hairstyle, dressy slacks and jackets, pumps, colorful necklaces and extra makeup.

She thinks the changes boosted her self confidence, resulting in faster acceptance of her ideas by senior management. "In the past, [that quick buy-in] wasn't one of the things I was known for," says Ms. Sharritt. She joined Sara Lee four years ago.

To Improve Your Executive Presence:

Sit on one hand if you gesture excessively
Avoid interruptions by counting to four before you reply
Stand or sit large to demonstrate you take up space
Use few qualifiers as they imply lack of confidence
Don't clasp your hands behind your back because you'll look deceptive
Practice a firm handshake

Source: Dee Soder, founder of CEO Perspective Group, an executive-assessment and advisory concern in New York.

Executives with presence act self confident, strategic, decisive and assertive, concludes a study released late last year by the Center for Work-Life Policy, a New York think tank.

Presence plays an increasingly important role as companies grapple with a weak recovery and fewer management layers. "You have less time to make that lasting impression,'' warns Stefanie Smith, head of Stratex Consulting, a New York coaching firm. Today, 75% of her coaching practice involves enhancing clients' presence–up from 35% in 2007.

Several big businesses, including Intel Corp. and Morgan Stanley, recently launched programs to teach ambitious staffers about executive presence. Rosalind Hudnell, Intel's chief diversity officer, says she created a "Command Presence" workshop for its rising female technical stars last year after realizing they needed extra help selling their ideas within the company. Nearly 200 women at the computer-chip maker have taken the four-hour session.

These mid-level staffers learn how to present effectively through a discussion of "constructive confrontation" and a simulated meeting with an executive audience, according to an Intel spokeswoman.

Ms. Hudnell recalls that her survival long "depended on my being able to command a room.'' She believes executive presence also involves the ability to command other leaders.

How can polish your presence? For starters, you should pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses. "People are blind to their biggest derailers," says Karen Kaufman, a Philadelphia executive coach.

You could glean additional clues by keeping a journal based on workplace observations of executives with authoritative presence, says James Citrin, a CEO recruiter for search firm Spencer Stuart. Imitate their behaviors "that feel comfortable and natural for you," he recommends. Mr. Citrin cites a CEO candidate he recently watched being interviewed by the board search committee at a $10-billion company. Among other things, the prospect "looked the committee members alternately straight in the eye" as he answered their questions "slowly but very clearly.''

Formal assistance may make an even bigger difference. It ranges from extensive sessions with an executive coach to voice lessons, presentation training and improvisational acting classes.

Jason Bernstein retained coach Dee Soder in 2009 to bolster his presence while an executive of a midsized technology company in suburban New York. "People who don't know him can miss his high energy and drive because he has such an easygoing style,'' says Dr. Soder, an industrial psychologist who founded CEO Perspective Group, an executive assessment and advisory firm in New York.

To correct this misperception, Mr. Bernstein says he embraced many of her suggestions. He tried to avoid a monotone in commanding his employees, sit upright during meetings and display powerful confidence at a conference table by marking his territory with a water bottle and notebook.
Dr. Soder also urged him to wave his hand slightly rather than nod his head in agreement when someone else speaks "to show you got it," Mr. Bernstein adds.

"Nodding your head is in some ways a gesture of deference,'' Mr. Bernstein explains. "It was one of the toughest things I found to work on.'' He says the executive-presence coaching "helped improve my performance reviews,'' which soon praised his board-level presentations and leadership ability.

Colleagues also notice flaws in your executive presence. But it's frequently hard to get frank feedback. "You have to take the responsibility to ask,'' says Gillian Christie, a managing director of a big financial-services firm. She remembers how coworkers at a prior employer only hinted about her tendency to show off during meetings because her behavior intimidated them.

Now, Ms. Christie continues, she often solicits associates' reaction following her presentations. Some reply, "You were a little off base.'' As a result, she tones down her strong delivery.

Intel's Ms. Hudnell finds male colleagues usually request her advice before they appear before the executive team for the first time. They want to know who will ask the toughest questions. Yet many Intel women only seek her counsel after a presentation "has not gone well,'' she says.

The insight inspired Ms. Hudnell to propose the presence workshop for emerging female stars. "You have to have executive presence in ways that will set you apart,'' she notes.

Write to Joann S. Lublin at joann.lublin@wsj.com

How to Use Twitter to Change Careers

2011-09-21T16:59:00.003-04:00

Used strategically, this online tool can help you land a job in a new industry

By ALEXIS GRANT
(Source: http://www.usnews.com)

Whether you want a more lifestyle-friendly career or a job that offers a bigger paycheck, transitioning to a new field can be a daunting task. It requires making new contacts, acquiring new knowledge, and maybe even gaining new skills.
That's where social-networking site Twitter comes in. Because Twitter allows you to showcase your expertise and connect with people you want to know—compared with Facebook, where we tend to connect with people we already know—it can help you gain the momentum you need to change careers. Or, if you're a new graduate entering the workforce for the first time, the site can help you build credibility in the field where you want to work.
"[Twitter] is one of the most powerful tools for anyone who's changing careers," says Miriam Salpeter, job-search coach and author of Social Networking for Career Success. (She also blogs for U.S. News.) People often think job-searching on Twitter means learning about openings through their feed, Salpeter says, but positioning yourself as an expert in your field is a far more effective strategy.
Berrak Sarikaya, 26, used Twitter to move from an administrative and communications position at a petrochemical trade association to an internship at a large public-relations firm. After losing her job at the trade association last June, the Washington, D.C., resident tapped her Twitter network of 2,300 followers to land freelance and pro-bono projects, where she built upon her digital marketing skills.

"It was through the network I created and the brand I created and the connections that really helped me jump into the field that I wanted to be in versus the field I was in at the time," says Sarikaya, who goes by @dc_pq on Twitter.

Here are some ideas for how to use Twitter to work your way into a new career:

Use your real name as your handle. Whether it's your first and last name, or one or the other, using your name as your handle gives you a jump start on personal branding. When it comes to moving Twitter connections offline, your contacts will recognize you based on your name alone, which eliminates that middle step of recognizing your handle and then remembering your name. Plenty of Twitter users, including Sarikaya, build brands around non-name handles, but the easiest way to gain visibility is to go by your name.

Know what you want. Job seekers often make the mistake of diving into a search before assessing their needs and desires. What kind of job do you want? What transferable skills do you have that will help you reach that goal? Once you've got that down, you'll be far more effective with any online campaign.

Build your knowledge base first. Have at least a general understanding of the field you want to enter before following industry experts on Twitter, because they won't follow you back unless you offer useful information, says Alison Doyle, job-search expert for About.com. Then "use Twitter as a vehicle to promote those qualifications," she says.

Use your bio to your advantage. "[Job seekers should] make sure their bio is about their future and not about their past," says Salpeter. This is your chance to position yourself and showcase your strengths. Include keywords that resonate with people who work and hire in your target industry. Along those same lines, tweet about where you're going more than where you came from.

Showcase your expertise through your tweets. Provide links to valuable information, insight into related events, referrals to experts, tips for doing the job well—anything that shows, in a helpful not boastful way, that you know what you're talking about. When it comes to proving your understanding of your industry, Twitter can be more useful than a resume.

Follow industry leaders. Identify the top players in your industry and follow them for insight. Occasionally respond to or re-tweet their tweets to give them the chance to notice you; if they follow you back, you've opened the door for a direct message, or private communication. But keep in mind that networking etiquette exists on Twitter just like in person, Salpeter says. Don't immediately tweet at a new contact asking for favors, just like "you wouldn't walk up to a stranger on the street and ask for a job," she says. "The same nuances apply online."

Understand the power of lists. One way to identify those thought leaders and influential people to follow is through lists. Piggyback on someone else's list—Listorious is one resource that helps you find them—or create your own list of experts, which shows you know who's who in your target field. To easily keep up with your lists, pull them into a Twitter application like Hootsuite or Tweetdeck. "It's just a matter of following the industry that you want to be in," Sarikaya says, "and just absorbing and jumping into the conversation when you can, because that's how people get to know you."

Follow industry hashtags. This will help you find new information and more relevant people to follow. To figure out which hashtags might be of interest, look through streams of industry leaders you've identified. Some hashtags represent chats, yet another opportunity to interact with people who work in your target field and earn their respect. If you're under 30, Sarikaya suggests following #u30pro—that stands for under-30 professionals—for career-development conversations that can apply to any field.

Attend tweetups. These in-person meetings are excellent opportunities to bring Twitter connections offline and develop personal relationships so your contacts feel comfortable recommending you. Most tweetups have an accompanying hashtag, so identify the hashtags in your industry and you'll likely stumble upon these networking opportunities.
Maintain focus. It's easy to get sucked into Twitter and forget why you're there, Doyle says. Look to broaden your horizons and acquire new knowledge and contacts, but don't lose sight of your goal. Remain professional and look at your own Twitter stream every few weeks to make sure you're presenting yourself in a way that will help you move forward.

#Goodluck!

The New Freshman 15: Financial Tips for College Students

2011-08-09T16:34:00.005-04:00

By Sheryl Nance-Nash Posted 2:00PM 08/01/11
Source: www.dailyfinance.com
See full article from DailyFinance: http://srph.it/pGZoet

Forget the "freshman 15," the dreaded additional pounds freshmen frequently pack on when they settle into life on their own. More important are the 15 smart financial moves you need to know to get through freshman year and beyond without racking up unnecessary debt.

"Waiting until after college to take control of your finances could cost you," says Nick Certo, senior vice president in University Banking at PNC Bank.
"And like any good fitness regimen, getting started is half the battle."

Here's how to pass finance 101.

1. Be careful with credit

Free T-shirts are the late-night burritos of finances, Certo says. "They look good now, but you'll pay later. Think twice before signing up just to score some cool swag," he says.

It's not worth it to saddle yourself with a high-interest, annual-fee credit card that you don't need. Buy a T-shirt instead, and your bank account will thank you later, says Jackie Warrick, the chief savings officer at CouponCabin.com.

Remember that a credit card doesn't equal free money. If you can handle a credit card, start with a $1,000-limit card that offers points or other rewards and pay your balance monthly. "Don't look at your credit limit as a goal for spending," says Steve Weisman, a senior lecturer at Bentley University. "Carrying too high a balance on your card can hurt your credit and cost you more." Late fees can add up quickly.

Research which card makes the most sense given your spending habits and paying ability. Look at the annual percentage rate, annual fee, grace period and penalty fees, says Todd Mark, vice president of education for Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Dallas.

Also, keep track of your credit score and your credit report.

2. Stick to a budget

Make a budget. You don't have to go crazy with the details. Just outline how much money you receive monthly and what you need to spend. "Include an allowance for walking around money, and don't just go to the ATM for more than you budgeted, or you will frequently run out of money before you run out of month," says Burton Speer, a certified public accountant with Mengel, Metzger, Barr & Co.

Then, track your spending to make sure you're sticking to your budget. "Unlike the federal government, you can't just print more money," Speer says. "Spending less is often easier than earning more."

Check out your bank's website budgeting tools, as well as software programs like Quicken, to help keep your budget on track.

And take extra care of your wallet when you're out partying. It's easy to get caught up in the moment and dish out more than you want to spend when you're having fun. "When going out with friends, decide ahead of time how much you can afford to spend, leave the rest behind," says Tahira Hira, professor of personal finance and consumer economics at Iowa State University.

3. Save early and often

In your 20s, you have a small window of opportunity to wield the power of compounded interest. Consider this: If you save $3,000 a year when you're between 20 and 30 years old, put the money into an IRA with a 7% average annualized rate of return and never save again, you'll have $442,000 by the time you're 65, calculates Nicole Rutledge, a certified financial planner with Resource Consulting Group.

However, if you wait to begin saving until you're 30 years old and put in $3,000 each year until you're 65, you'll end up with only $283,000 at the same rate of return. That's 35% less than if you had just saved the money in your 20s, even though you'd have put in more than three times the amount of money.

So save regularly now. Skip a pizza or a couple of pitchers of beer a week and save for emergencies and retirement. Just save.

4. Take advantage of student perks

Don't spend extra money on food if you have a cafeteria. Research college meal plans, which can be much cheaper than outside meals. "It might not be offering the meal you want, but that's another charge you won't have to make," Mark says.

And when you do go out, take advantage of any student discounts at businesses or venues you frequent.

5. Pay less for textbooks

The average student can pay $1,000 a year for books, an often unexpected high cost for college freshmen, says Michael Geller, vice president of marketing for BookRenter.com.

Don't buy new books at the campus bookstore. Campus prices are almost always higher than at online retailers like Amazon.com or eBay.com, says certified financial planner Derrick Kinney. Consider renting textbooks at your school's bookstore or from sites like Chegg.com. Renting books or buying them used can save you 50%.

If you're using an online site, sign up for a rebate program, such as Ebates.com, which gives money back on each purchase. And remember to sell used books back at the end of the semester.

6. Borrow as little as possible

The average college student leaves school with about $23,000 in debt. "Borrow just enough to pay for your legitimate college costs," Hira says. "Explore all options. A student loan should be your last resort."
If you do borrow money, make sure you fully understand the cost and other terms of the loan before signing on the dotted line. The cheapest loans come from the federal government, says Ruth Vedvik, principal at Hardwick-Day, an enrollment consulting firm. And because federal interest rates are set, you know how much debt you're taking on, she says.

Remember to start looking into funding early and to submit applications before the deadlines. Search online for scholarships, grants and other financial aid based on gender, religion, race, ethnicity, the type of degree you want or other relevant criteria, suggests Ornella Grosz, author of Moneylicious: A Financial Clue for Generation Y.

Also consider working part time, which can decrease the amount you have to borrow.

7. Get organized

Little things can chip away at your budget. Avoid parking fines or late fees for library books or videos and CDs rentals, for example, says Cheryl Smith, financial adviser with JHS Capital Advisors.

Also, nail down your schedule early. "Many students wander into each semester and don't meet with their adviser and figure out which classes to take," says Rachel Cruze, host of the Graduate Survival Guide. "This can be costly when it comes time to register. If a class fills up before you can get in, you may have to take it during summer school or even stay an extra semester."

8. Avoid unnecessary fees

Avoid paying extra ATM fees by researching your bank's ATM availability on campus. These small fees can add up. After all, if both your bank and the bank hosting the ATM charges a $1 fee for each $10 withdrawal, that amounts to a cost of 20%, says Kathryn Mullaney, vice president for finance at St. Lawrence University.

If your bank doesn't have a branch in your college town, it might be smart to open an account at a different bank so you can get cash without paying those fees.

Overdraft fees range from $35 to $50, so consider getting overdraft protection to avoid those charges, even if it means asking a parent to sign up for the account with you, Mullaney says.

9. Use technology wisely

Set up text and email alerts for your bank accounts and credit cards to help you keep tabs on your spending and avoid missing payment dates. "It's an easy way to stay in-the-know about your own finances," says Justine Rivero, credit adviser at CreditKarma.com. "Plus you can make sure you don't ruin your credit by missing a payment or maxing out your credit card."

10. Protect yourself from fraud

Research conducted by Javelin Strategy & Research found that it takes 18- to 24-year-olds nearly twice as long to detect fraud compared to other age groups, making them fraud victims for longer periods of time. Young adults are also more likely to fall victim to fraud and identity theft by people they know. Living in a dorm, where other students or strangers might easily access a student's room, also ups the need for vigilance.

Take advantage of services that allow you to monitor your accounts regularly, such as by reviewing statements online or using mobile banking to see a snapshot of your account information, suggests Secil Watson, senior vice president at Wells Fargo Internet Services Group. Students can also forward sensitive mail, like financial information, to their parents' homes.

11. "Insure" success

Parents can help you save money through insurance. June Walbert, a certified financial planner with USAA, advises parents to re-evaluate their insurance when a child heads to college. "The increased liability of a child away at school potentially opens the door to a number of financially catastrophic events," she says. "Re-examining your family's insurance needs in the wake of a college-bound child can not only safeguard your finances, but even lead you to insurance savings."

Homeowner's policies provide limited coverage of children's personal property, and usually come with a large deductible. Opting for a renter's insurance policy provides better coverage with lower deductibles, Walbert says.

If your child is taking a car with them, update the usage. If school is 100 miles away or further, some insurers will offer a discount. Insurers also usually provide discounts for students with B averages or better.

12. Capitalize on coupons

It's no longer geeky to clip coupons. "Don't think your friends will mock you and call you a coupon-clipping grandma if you use coupons or deals," Warrick says. "They'll probably be jealous of the additional money you'll have to spend for next week's party."

Daily deal sites like Groupon offer deals on dining out and other services that can help you maintain your budget. And if you have unused gift cards you don't want, you can trade them for cash on sites like CardCash.com and CouponTrade.com.

13. Master relationships

Personal relationships that you make now can turn into business relationships in the future, says Dan Greenshields, president of ING (ING) Direct Investing. Make friends and also find a mentor in your desired field to get career advice. Being social now could boost your prospects in the future.

14. Invest in your future self

Seek out internships and volunteer. Learn skills that will help you land a job later. Employers are increasingly expecting more from candidates. Investing in yourself as a freshman will pay you back for years to come, Greenshields says.

15. Set limits

If you're going to spend more than $50 on something, figure out if you really need it. The $50 dollar limit, Cruze says, is a good point to stop and ask yourself if you can do without it. "Is the restaurant too expensive?" she says. "Do you really need that video game now, or will it drop down 30% in three months? Ask yourself what you can do without."

See full article from DailyFinance: http://srph.it/pGZoet

10 Habits of Highly Organized People

2011-08-02T16:29:00.007-04:00

Sorting items into specific groups will help you stay organized

(From http://www.oprah.com/ August 2nd 2011)

1. Walk away from bargains
Just because you can buy a cashmere sweater for $20 or three bottles of ketchup for the price of one doesn't mean you should. "Ask, 'Do I have something similar?' and 'Where am I going to store it?' before making a purchase," advises New York City professional organizer Julie Morgenstern, author of "Shed Your Stuff, Change Your Life."

2. Make peace with imperfection
Efficient people give "A-level effort" to the most important projects (say, work assignments or a kitchen redesign), and for the rest they do just enough to get the job done, says Renae Reinardy, PsyD, a psychologist who specializes in hoarding disorders. Maybe you give yourself permission to bring store-bought cookies to a school bake sale or donate a bag of stuff -- unsorted! -- to Goodwill. "Trying to do every task perfectly is the easiest way to get bogged down," says Reinardy.
Oprah.com: How to stop trying to be perfect all the time

3. Never label anything "miscellaneous"
You put a bunch of things into a file or box and write this catchall across the front. "But within a week you've forgotten what's in there," says Morgenstern. Instead, sort items into specific groups -- "electric bills," "lightbulbs," and so on.

4. Schedule regular decluttering sessions
Rather than wait until an industrious mood strikes (we all know where that leads), have a decluttering routine in place -- whether it's spending 15 minutes sorting mail after work or tackling a new project every Sunday afternoon.
Oprah.com: Peter Walsh's 3 rules for getting organized this summer

5. Stick with what works
"I have clients who will try every line of makeup, every cell phone -- it's exhausting," says Dorothy Breininger, president of the Delphi Center for Organization. Don't waste time (and money) obsessively seeking out the best thing.

6. Create a dump zone
Find a space to corral all the stuff that you don't have time to put away the moment you step in the door, says Breininger. Once you're ready to get organized, you won't have to hunt all over the house for the dry cleaning or your child's field trip permission slip.

7. Ask for help
"The organized person is willing to expose herself to short-term embarrassment and call for backup," says Breininger. Which is to say, that elaborate four-course dinner you planned? Change it to a potluck.
Oprah.com: When to ask for help -- and how to do it

8. Separate emotions from possessions
It's healthy to be attached to certain items -- a vase you picked up in Paris, your grandmother's pearls. But holey concert tees or cheap, scuffed earrings your husband gave you years ago? Just let them go.

9. Foresee (and avoid) problems
You wouldn't leave the house on a gray day without an umbrella, right? People who appear to sail through life unruffled apply this thinking to every scenario, says Breininger. Have a cabinet packed with leaning towers of Tupperware? Organized folks will take a few minutes to short-circuit an avalanche before it happens. (In other words, rearranging that cupboard now is easier than chasing after wayward lids as they scatter underneath the fridge.)

10. Know where to donate
It's easier to part with belongings if they're going to a good home. Identify a neighbor's son who fits into your child's outgrown clothes, or choose a favorite charity. "It will save you from searching for the perfect recipient every time you need to unload something," says Morgenstern.

The Most Ridiculous Job Interview Blunders

2011-07-22T16:22:00.003-04:00

Don't offer to arm-wrestle your job interviewer. Or handcuff yourself to his desk, or answer a question with a knock-knock joke -- all of which, hiring managers say, actual applicants have done.

By Anne Fisher (source: www.cnn.com)
July 20, 2011: 10:27 AM ET

Okay, so maybe your last job interview wasn't perfect. You might have felt you hesitated too long when asked about your greatest weakness or forgotten to mention an important accomplishment with special relevance to the job opening at hand.
Well, cheer up. According to surveys conducted by staffing firm Robert Half International, you could have done worse. A lot worse.

Asked to recall the weirdest, most unforgettable job interview blunders they've seen, human resources executives and hiring managers came up with some doozies, including these:
- "The candidate bounced up and down on my carpet and told me I must be highly thought of by the company because I was given such thick carpeting."
"One applicant took a brush out of my purse, brushed his hair with it, and left."
- "A job seeker told me that, if I didn't hire her, she would have her grandmother put a curse on me."
- "One candidate [at our company] challenged the interviewer to arm-wrestle."
- "After a difficult question, the candidate asked if he could leave the room for a moment to meditate."
- "One applicant sent his sister to interview in his place."
- "When asked by the hiring manager if he had any questions, the candidate replied by telling a knock-knock joke."
- "An applicant sang all of her answers to interview questions."
- "One candidate handcuffed himself to the desk during the interview."
- "I interviewed someone who had a jawbreaker in her mouth during the entire conversation."

Of course, candor is always best, but there's such a thing as volunteering too much information, as these interviewees proved:
- "An individual applied for a customer service job and, when asked what he might not like about the work, he replied, 'Dealing with people.'"
- "One individual said we had nice benefits, which was good because he was going to have to take a lot of leave over the next year."
- "One prospect gave me a list of all the reasons why he shouldn't be hired."
- "The candidate said she would really prefer a job offer from our main competitor."
- "After being complimented on his choice of college and the high GPA he earned there, the candidate replied, 'I'm glad that got your attention. I didn't really go there.'"
- "When asked by the hiring manager why she was leaving her current job, the applicant said, 'My boss is a jerk. All managers are jerks.'"

That last one raises an important point, says Brett Good, a senior district president for Robert Half who frequently coaches job seekers on how to shine in interviews: "Even a mildly sarcastic quip about a current or former employer can raise a red flag so, when in doubt, take the high road."
And of course, leave your handcuffs at home.

A college degree returns more than the stock market

2011-06-30T13:34:00.004-04:00

(Source: http://www.fortune.cnn.com/)

By Nin-Hai Tseng, writer-reporter June 30, 2011: 8:30 AM ET

A new study shows that investing in a college degree produces better returns than stocks, gold, Treasuries, and even real estate.

FORTUNE -- Unemployed college grad? Living in your parents' basement? Cheer up -- the returns on your investment are coming!

Even in today's very tough job market, a college degree is the best long-term investment – by far, promising higher returns than stocks, bonds, housing, and even gold, according to a study released this week by the Brookings Institution. (*See below for link!!)

The Washington, DC-based think tank crunches some interesting numbers:
On average, a four-year degree is the equivalent of an investment that returns 15.2% a year. That's more than double the average return to stock market investments since the 1950s, which average 6.8%; more than five times the return to investments in corporate bonds, which return 2.9%; gold at 2.3%, long-term government bonds at 2.2% and housing at 0.4%.
Admittedly, a college education demands pretty hefty costs upfront.

Researchers Michael Greenstone and Adam Looney estimate costs of a four-year college degree at $102,000 and about $28,000 for a two-year associate's degree. This factors in the typical costs of tuition and fees (minus room and board, since as researcher noted, you eat and sleep whether or not you go to college), as well as pay that students give up if they had spent their years right after high school working instead of going to college.

Pretty steep. But long-term, the costs are well worth it, the study found. At 22, the average college graduate earns about 70% more than the average person with a high school degree only. In other words, the study notes, at the peak of their earning power, the average worker with only a high school diploma earns only about as much as a college graduate one year out of school.
And it only gets better from there. In 2010, a college graduate at age 50 (career peak) earns about $46,000 more than someone with only a high school diploma.

So a college degree is almost always the best long-term investment. Indeed, U.S. unemployment continues to hover at an annoyingly high 9% or so. And the job market has been especially tough for younger workers.

Then again, as Fortune's Anne Fisher pointed earlier this week, things might be looking up. The number of freshly minted grads with bachelor's degrees finding jobs this year surged 22% to 35,372, or 8% more than in 2009, according to CollegeGrad.com.(**See below for link!!)

So for those feeling a little hopeless about the prospects out there, now is as good a time as any to start job hunting.

ARTICLE RESOURCE LINKS:

*Brookings Inst. Study:
http://www.brookings.edu/papers/2011/0625_education_greenstone_looney.aspx

**Ann Fisher's "Who's hiring the most recent college grads?"
http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2011/06/28/whos-hiring-the-most-recent-college-grads

Credit Cards: Should you get a secured or unsecured card?

2011-06-24T13:09:00.001-04:00

Source: Card Hub Education Submitted: Maria Vivier Default Prevention Manager

Making bad credit decisions now can cost you big-time in the long run. What do you do if you've got bad credit? Rather than paying some company to "repair" it, it's better to rebuild your credit by working with the companies you owe. One of the quickest ways to do that is to get a credit card--although obviously, that's easier said than done. Luckily, you have options. There are two types of credit cards for bad credit: secured cards and unsecured cards. Secured cards require you to keep the equivalent of the card's limit on deposit with the card's issuer. So a secured card with a $250 limit requires you to deposit $250 with the bank that issued it; you'll get the $250 back once you close the account in good standing. The more common variety - the type issued to practically everyone with good credit - is the unsecured credit card, which doesn't have the same restriction. If you have bad credit, you can get an unsecured card, too, but there will be many strings attached. So which type is best for you, if you're in this predicament? An unsecured credit card may seem like a quick way to access a couple hundred bucks, but ultimately, you'll likely end up with little available credit. Unsecured cards typically attach fees when you actually open and use them. Say you got approved for an unsecured card with a $250 limit. You might have to pony up a $50 setup fee, a $100 program fee, a $50 annual fee, and an $8 monthly fee--so you're already more than $200 in the hole before you've even spent a dime! And since you have poor credit, you'll also pay close to 20% interest on all these fees. You could get money faster--and on cheaper terms--at a pawn shop. That's not to say that a secured credit card comes with an interest rate to fall in love with, or without any fees. But for someone with bad credit, it's a much better tool to rebuild. The typical secured credit card demands a deposit of at least $200 to secure the line of credit, and some charge an annual fee of up to $50. (Some cards waive the annual fee for the first year.) A healthy usage ratio and an account in good standing are the first steps towards better credit; so ultimately, a $250 secured card can give you more available credit and a better credit usage ratio than an unsecured card with a $240 balance. Given all that, it's probably no surprise that an industry expert like Odysseas Papadimitriou, CEO of credit-card comparison website Cardhub.com, recommends secured cards for those trying to rebuild. If you have bad credit opening up an unsecured card amounts to tying a hand behind your back. (Papadimitriou also dispels a widespread myth: that to improve your credit score, you need to use the card, charging and paying it off every month. Wrong, he says: you could lock a secured card in a drawer, and as long as you keep up with the annual fee, your reports will reflect an account in good standing.) Rebuilding your credit takes time. After 18 or 24 months of wise card use, you might apply for a card with better terms and see if you qualify. Doing this once a year after that won't hurt your credit score.

New Rules For the Job Interview

2011-06-17T17:44:00.003-04:00

Posted by Sean Gregory (Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 4:00 am via http://www.time.com/, Image via Getty)

The job interview has always been a crucial part of the hiring process. But in today's intensely competitive labor market, it couldn't be more key. For every open position, expect to find an army of qualified, and even overqualified, candidates starving for work in a country with 9% unemployment. If you're lucky enough to make it to the interview stage, you'll need to be at your best to seal the deal. You can't just rely on your resume. “Absolutely, the interview is more important than ever,” says Shawn Boyer, founder and CEO of snagajob.com, a site geared towards hourly workers. “They are harder and harder to come by. You need to do your best to differentiate.”
No pressure, right? But if you're looking for work, or have an interview lined up soon, there's no need to panic. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Research, research, research. Your online footprint is out there, for all to see – hello, beer-chugging Facebook picture. Similarly, these days it's easier to find a wealth of information about the company you want to work for. So be an online sponge. Read blogs where the company, or industry it competes in, is a focus. Check out that company history timeline on its website, and become a fan of its Facebook page. Know the background of the executives you're going to meet with, and be prepared to talk about the company's successes. “Companies are not as forgiving as they were in the past,” says Lenroy Jones, associate director of the University of Kentucky's James W. Stuckert Career Center. “They always wanted candidates to know about their businesses, but understood, for example, that college kids might have extracurricular activities that kept them too busy. Now, they don't hope that you are knowledgeable. They expect you to be.”

Ask questions. Since you'll be entering the interview with so much knowledge about Company X, you should be curious to soak up even more. So when the interviewer offers you a chance to ask questions about the company or the specific position, never pass. “I just got out of an interview where the candidate did not have any questions, and said that they were all answered during the interview,” says Boyer. “That's a lame answer, not just to me, but to a lot of employers.” Remember, in an era of enhanced competition, a little slip-up like failing to ask good questions could cost you the job.

Stay away from Facebook friendship. During the interview, you feel like you've really connected with Viv, your potential new boss. You really want the job. You've got a good vibe. You're feeling so good, you're just going to go right ahead and “friend” her on Facebook. No!!!! You've crossed a line. It's fine to follow her on Twitter. All of her musings there are open to the public, and she'll probably be psyched that you're interested. Definitely do that. But Facebook friendship is more awkward. Viv now has to decide whether she wants to let you into her online circle. You don't want to appear high-maintenance before being offered the position. “Things that are annoying in person are annoying online,” says Charles Purdy, senior editor and career expert at Monster.com. “You can follow somebody's career in the newspapers. But don't ask him to invite you to his birthday party.”

As for those gaps in your resume ... Don't fret about them. Employers understand that it's been a brutal market, and that you may have spent significant time without work. “You're not the only one in that boat,” says Michelle Dollarhide, senior talent acquisition partner for Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, a public relations firm. Be able to explain your situation in two or three tight bullet points: my entire division lost jobs in a layoff, demand for the product dried up in the recession, etc. “Don't ramble on, making excuses, and talking bad about your prior employer,” says Boyer. And discuss what you've been doing to keep your skills fresh, and your mind active, during unemployment. Community work, for example, tells a good story. Says Boyer: “Employers want to see that you've done something other than sitting at home watching Dr. Phil.”

Overdress – even online. Yes, more workplaces are business-casual these days. That should not give you license to dress down in an interview. “Always, always wear at least a coat and tie, and preferably a suit,” says Boyer. “Most people know that, but I've heard plenty of stories to the contrary.” This rule also applies to digital interviews. More companies are using Skype and other video-chat technologies to talk to potential employees. “Look professional, even from the waist-down,” says Purdy. Hey, what if the phone starts ringing incessantly, and you're forced to stand up? “And please,” says Purdy, “take the dog out of the room.”

Be a closer. First impressions are always important. But last words stick too. With job competition as tight as it is, every second of the interview counts. “Close it out,” says Dollarhide. “Ask about the next step in the process. Show that enthusiasm until the end.” And send those follow-up notes, either through email or an old-school, hand-written letter.

Your future is riding on it.

How to find a job in 2011

2011-06-14T15:41:00.002-04:00

By Jessica Dickler May 18, 2011: 5:54 AM ET

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Good news: The job market is improving and employers are starting to hire again. But the rules of landing a job have changed.
There's still a lot of competition out there. If you want to get a foot in the door, you'll need to use every tool available to you.

If there's one thing that's different in the post-recession job market it's this: "Submitting your résumé and cover letter is not going to get you a job."
That's according to Jennifer Becker, managing director of Ajilon Professional Staffing, a division of Adecco Group, the world's largest staffing firm.

So what works? Experts say making connections, adapting to each potential employer and promising results are the only ways to get hired.

Making connections: "Networking is the only game in town right now," said Ford Myers, executive career coach and author of the book, Get the Job You Want, Even When No One's Hiring. "Everything is built on personal connections, nothing else works." With nearly 14 million people currently looking for work and job openings still relatively scarce, Gerry Crispin, co-owner of Careerxroads, a New Jersey-based consulting firm, says an employee referral is the best way to increase your chances of getting a job. Crispin advises job seekers to connect with people within a company and ask them for a referral. "It may be as much as 10 times more effective" than simply applying, he said.

To that end, social networking has carved out a crucial spot in today's job market. Seekers must be on board with LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter as well as smaller industry-specific sites in order to connect with more people, and employers, in their industry. "There's no way you can be effective in your job search without embracing social media," Becker says. Still, most career counselors, coaches and recruiters say it's the face-to-face connections that really boost a job seeker's chance of getting hired. "There's still no replacement for getting out in your community and shaking hands," noted Becker. Social media tools should be used to make real connections, Myers cautions, not just virtual ones. "Tons of people use social media all day long and they are communicating with tons of people but they're not connecting with anybody. Build the relationship from there so it becomes a real world relationship."

Stretch to fit: Once job seekers connect with a company, then the real work of getting hired begins. Gone are the days of impressing a hiring manager with experience and education. These days it's identifying what results you can deliver that will ultimately get you an offer.
"In the current world, the employer cares about one thing: 'what can you do for me today, how are you going to solve my most pressing problems, how are you going to take away my pain?'" Myers said. Crispin recommends using the tools that are available to find out more about the company and what the company's needs are. "Read blogs by recruiters explaining how you can compete, download a job description and watch videos on YouTube of employees in the company," he suggested.

Promise results: Once you are well versed in the company's particular constraints within the current economic climate, identify what you can bring to the table.
To do that, Myers urges job seeks to provide measurable results. Focus on the results you produced in your career so far: "here's how, here's when, here are the percentages," Myers said.
"If you can't add value, they're not going to hire you," he added.
The experts also recommend being open to the pay, position, location and schedule of any position that is offered. Consulting, or even volunteering for an organization, although it may be several steps below a job seeker's previous position, is a great way to ultimately get hired. "Think more broadly, look at all the possibilities," Myers said, "otherwise you'll be looking for a long, long time."

Put Some Punch Into Your Career

2011-06-10T16:05:00.004-04:00

By Elaine Pofeldt, Money Magazine May 3, 2011: 9:29 AM ET

(Money Magazine) -- It's probably safe to come out from under your desk now.
Over the past few years you may have found yourself in defensive mode, career-wise. But if you've survived, you're probably in the clear.
As a whole, U.S. employers have been adding rather than subtracting jobs these past few months, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And that means you can focus on your ambitions again and begin laying the groundwork for a promotion.
Just because the firings have slowed, however, doesn't mean that companies are hoisting people up the ladder.

To get ahead today, "it's going to take an investment of extra work, extra enthusiasm, and extra energy," says Dan Finnigan, CEO of Jobvite, a social-recruiting software.

The four strategies that follow can help you move your career forward.

Make a lateral move

Years ago a sideways job move was viewed as a demotion. Not so in today's less hierarchical offices.
"Now it's about zigzagging your way to the top, vs. taking the elevator," says Sarah Hathorn of Illustra Consulting, a career advisory firm in Atlanta.
A lateral move could help you advance, she says, if any of the following apply:
A different job at the same level will help you round out your skills;
there's no room for growth in your division;
you're so entrenched that superiors see you only one way;
or you want to move to a new job function (say, from marketing to sales).
How to do it:
Review listings on the internal job site -- looking particularly for posts at smaller divisions, where you might get more responsibility -- and connect with your HR rep, who can act as an advocate.
Also participate in companywide committees and activities to make contacts in your target department, says L.A. career coach David Couper. Cultivate their support by taking them to lunch and asking their advice.
If you want to change functions entirely, get your boss's buy-in too -- you'll need help making the case to others.

Solve the boss's problem

Success in today's workplace often hinges on delivering quantifiable results. But supervisors aren't always generous with the kind of assignments that will allow underlings to shine.
"Bosses who are nervous about their own jobs hang on to projects they think are important," says Couper. Getting plum tasks, then, depends on your ability to manage up.
How to do it:
Pay attention to areas in which your manager is weak -- or in which your department is facing a crisis that is stressing your boss out -- and offer to relieve some of the burden, advises Hathorn.
"Say, 'I know this project is due, and I'd love to learn this aspect of the business. Could I take on X or Y part?' "
This shows that you're a self-starter and continual learner. Plus, if you do a good job, your boss will trust you with even better projects.

Hone your soft skills

At a senior level, technical knowledge alone won't get you ahead.
Research recently published in the Harvard Business Review shows that success in C-suite jobs, such as chief technology officer and chief marketing officer, increasingly depends more on leadership skills and understanding of business fundamentals than on the technical skills and functional knowledge that mattered early in one's career. So work on the soft skill that will make a difference in your division.
How to do it:
First, sit down with your superior and say, "Be honest with me. What soft skills do you think I'm lacking or need to hone?"
Think your boss isn't the type to tell? Recall where your last performance review showed deficiencies; also, solicit feedback from peers.
In a recent American Management Association poll, executives said that being mentored is among the most effective ways to build soft skills; so look for someone who excels in the areas you do not, and flatter him or her by asking for coaching.
Or take a class -- your company may offer training on topics like public speaking or leadership -- and, once completed, ask your boss if it has helped you to improve.

Capitalize on change

Whenever there's change at a company -- whether a merger or acquisition, the arrival of consultants, or the departure of a boss or colleague -- the instinct is to hide. Big mistake, says Hathorn. In times of transition, opportunities are created.
How to do it:
Look for ways to use the upheaval to recast your role.
That may mean, for example, sharing your ideas with the visiting cost-cutting consultant or new division head, volunteering for duties held by a departing colleague, or offering to mentor employees in a company your firm is acquiring.
If you stay invisible, it'll be easier for the new leadership to discount your contributions and cut your job.
Says Finnigan: "If you're not moving up, you're slowly moving out."
Build the right skills
Top managers are recognizing a talent gap when it comes to certain skills that they deem important. Filling the void can help you get ahead.

How to Get the Salary You Want

2011-06-08T13:48:00.004-04:00

By JOE LIGHT
www.wsj.com CAREER STRATEGIES JUNE 27, 2010, 8:24 A.M. ET

A tight job market might have taken away some jobseekers' leverage in a salary negotiation, but that doesn't mean they should roll over and accept the first offer, says New York-based executive coach Rabia de Lande Long. To get the top compensation possible—without putting a sour taste in your potential employer's mouth—take these steps.

1. Do your research.
It used to be hard to find out what your coworkers and other professionals in your industry get paid. But now, several resources have attempted to opened that black box, says Ms. de Lande Long. Salary.com and Payscale.com give salary ranges to expect based on a job seeker's position, location, and experience. Employees at the actual company you're applying to might have also posted their salaries at GlassDoor.com.

2. Don't give out the first number.
You'll be pressured to do this through the application process. "What's your salary requirement?" "What salary range are you looking for?" "What do you get paid now?"
Getting the salary you want requires smart negotiation.
Whatever you do, never give out the first number, says Ms. de Lande Long. If your answer is too high, you might not make it to the next stage. Too low, and an employer will either think you're not qualified or desperate. So, if possible, write "NA" on applications.
If you're pressured to say how much you make during the interview process, try giving your "total compensation," which many large employers will break out for you on the company's internal human resources website. If your current employer doesn't do that, just spell out your salary, benefits, bonuses, and anything else your current employer offers, says Decatur, Ga. career coach Walter Akana. If the new company doesn't offer some of similar benefits, the HR manager will know that your new salary would have to be bumped up to reflect that, he says.
Management Question? Ask Patrick Lencioni.
The author of "Death by Meeting" and "Five Dysfunctions of a Team" is taking questions about managing people, projects and workplace dilemmas from WSJ readers this week.
If the interviewer still presses for a required salary, try giving a range of $15,000 rather than a specific number, Mr. Akana says.The low amount should be the minimum you'd be happy with and the high amount should be what would make you happy.

3. Don't lie.
"It's so easy to get someone in HR to verify a salary, even if they're not supposed to," says Ms. de Lande Long. Even if you make it to a job offer, the false salary could come out during a background check, which could result in an outright retraction of the offer or at least upset an employee's new boss. "And from that point onward, you might face trouble in negotiations not just with your new employer, but with everyone in your industry who has heard. Word gets around," says Ms. de Lande Long.

4. Don't take the first offer.
Most employers expect candidates to try to negotiate. So they leave room in the first offer for a raise, says Mr. Akana. If possible, try to arrange a face-to-face meeting with the hiring manager rather than someone in human resources. The hiring manager is more likely to be flexible, says Mr. Akana. "
Say that you're flattered to have an offer and really want to join the team, but that there are a couple specific items that you're sure you could resolve if you put your heads together," says Mr. Akana. Despite the pressure on salaries during the downturn, a good rule of thumb is to ask for a 10% higher salary, says Ms. de Lande Long.
If the hiring manager says budget restrictions keep him from going as high as you'd like, it might be that the position is "graded" to be within a certain salary band by HR, says Mr. Akana. It's worth asking if the boss can ask the appropriate person for the job to be re-graded. The worst he can say is no.

5. Once that's locked in, go for other benefits.
Despite what you might have heard, many benefit packages aren't flexible, says Ms. de Lande Long. So, while it's worth asking, it might be difficult to modify the health plan. Your success in getting more vacation days depends on the employer, says Ms. de Lande Long.
Your potential boss might be hesitant to give you more days if it will make other employees think they're being treated unfairly. Instead, focus on things that are easy for the employer to provide, such as a work-from-home arrangement for one day a week, if the employer has made such arrangements in the past, says Mr. Akana.
If you still feel your package is too low, ask if it can be reviewed again in six months. "That way, you can show them that you're worth the money," he says.

Copyright 2011 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved

7 Biggest Money Mistakes College Grads Make

2011-05-31T15:08:00.004-04:00

Graduating from college and entering the "real world" can inflict total chaos on your life: Suddenly, your closest friends, who used to be just a few desks away, are now scattered across the country. Your parents are less willing to send checks upon request. On top of that, you have to start paying rent, find and keep a job, and somehow convince yourself to start saving money for retirement, which is about four decades away. It's overwhelming, but not insurmountable. These seven mistakes and their solutions are designed to help college grads bypass common hiccups and take control of their financial lives:

1. Taking on too much debt—or not enough. Too much debt can weigh down recent grads, forcing them to spend more money on interest and fees than on fun activities and other goals. New credit card regulations make it harder for anyone under age 21 without their own income to take out cards of their own, which could make post-graduation overspending even more tempting. At the same time, the recent recession has led many young people to take the debt-is-bad message too literally. Avoiding loans altogether, however, can hurt college grads. Sometimes, student loans for graduate school or a mortgage are good investments. Being responsible for credit accounts also allows 20-somethings to build their credit history, which is required if they want to take out a mortgage, auto loan, or other type of loan in the future.

The solution: Build your credit history slowly and steadily by opening up accounts in your own name and paying them off on time and in full.

2. Becoming victim to rapid lifestyle inflation. You're a recent college grad, so that means you probably need a new car, new apartment, new sofa, and a new… Wait a minute. Not only do you not need all those things, you probably won't appreciate them much, either. A little theory called the "hedonic treadmill" explains why. We adapt all too quickly to improvements in our lifestyle. That 60-inch television you drooled over at Best Buy will soon start blending in with the rest of your furniture, along with your top-of-the-line coffee maker and pillow-top mattress.

The solution: Instead of using your first paycheck to make your new crib look like a sitcom set, spread out your purchases over time. Maybe you need a bed right away, but the matching curtains and comforter set can wait a little while.

3. Falling into bad money habits. Bi-weekly $20 happy hours, daily $15 lunches, and nightly take-out are just a few of the bad habits that eat into new grads' bank accounts. While the occasional lapse isn't a problem, repeatedly wasting money on a weekly basis for years will cost you, big time.

The solution: Learn to cook by enlisting the help of friends, family members, or your favorite celebrity chef (via the Food Network). The habit can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars a year, and turn your home into a popular destination for friends. It's a skill that lasts a lifetime.

4. Waiting to save and invest. Sure, you don't feel like you have "extra" money yet, and you're still getting used to seeing your name on a paycheck. But that makes it the perfect time to start saving at least one-quarter of your income for future goals, including retirement. The first priority is to establish an emergency savings account with at least three months' worth of expenses that can get you through any unexpected bumps, from unemployment to a car accident. Then, start saving for retirement. If your employer offers any type of 401(k) matching program, take advantage of it—passing it up is like saying no to a pay increase. Then open an after-tax savings account for your other goals, from traveling to homeownership.

The solution: If saving any money seems daunting, start by funneling a modest 2 percent of your income into a high-yield savings account or money market fund. Then, slowly raise that percentage. Once you have your three-month emergency fund stored away, consider investing a portion of your longer-term savings in low-fee index funds and other, more aggressive investment vehicles.

5. Failing to negotiate for a higher salary. Even in this economy, employers expect some haggling over salary and benefits. In fact, doing so is a sign of professionalism that shows you, a recent college grad, understand how the working world works. A simple request after expressing enthusiasm and appreciation for the job offer can eventually lead to hundreds of thousands of dollars more in lifetime earnings. (Linda Babcock of Carnegie Mellon University calculates that not negotiating your first job offer can result in a loss of up to $1.5 million in lifetime earnings.)

The solution: Practice your job-offer conversation before receiving any potential offers so you're ready to land a better deal, and research your field ahead of time so you know what to expect. If the salary really is fixed, consider focusing on other benefits, which can be worth as much as a third of the salary, but that job seekers often overlook. What are the health care benefits? Retirement account perks? Vacation days? Work-at-home flexibility? Decide what's important to you and get ready for some professional haggling; it usually just takes one round of back-and-forth.

6. Thinking you're done studying. Sure, you have your degree, but unless you attended one of the few schools that teach personal finance, you probably know relatively little about how to build wealth. That makes the post-graduation period the ideal time to take matters into your own hands.

The solution: Look for ways to learn more about smart personal-finance strategies. This doesn't have to be boring. Dozens of blogs, websites, and books make learning about money fun, and many local community colleges and universities offer personal-finance courses for local professionals

7. Getting buried in paperwork. There's no avoiding the fact that being an adult comes with some secretarial duties. Suddenly, you have pay stubs, health insurance forms, tax documents, and credit card statements to keep organized. It's easy to let them build up until you just want to shred the pile and toss it in the trash.

The solution: Take advantage of modern technology by going paperless whenever possible. Online accounts are easier to manage (and as a bonus, better for the environment). New websites such as shoeboxed.com keep your receipts organized online, which is especially helpful at tax time. Mint.com makes it easy to track your spending and establish a budget.

The bottom line: Add "getting on top of your finances" to the list of things to do after graduation day!

From: money.usnews.com
Submitted: Maria Vivier
Default Prevention Manager
Keiser University

What to do when you're new on the job

2011-05-25T15:02:00.003-04:00

Whether you're a recent college grad or an industry vet, acclimating to new work surroundings is no easy feat. Here are a few survival tips.

By Stephenie Overman, contributor
(Source www.CNN.com)

FORTUNE -- It's never easy being the new guy. Whether you're heading into your first job out of school or your 15th, the first days at a new gig are rarely easy ones. New coworkers, a new office, and a brand new work culture all lend to the feeling that you are a stranger in an even stranger land. What's the best way to cope?
"Go to the cafeteria, the break room and ask people to tell you stories," says Todd Hudson, founder of Maverick Institute, Portland Ore., which published the handbook, "My Personal Onboarding Plan: The New Hire's Guide to On-the-Job Success."
From what these seasoned employees tell you, you'll learn who the key players are at your new office and "about extraordinary efforts, about creativity, about people protecting their customers. Your new coworkers' tales will tell you how you should act in those situations. If you hear all negative stories, it tells you one thing. If you hear positive things, that tells you something else," Hudson says.
People love to tell these stories, he adds. "They will tell you what made the biggest impression on them, what got their juices going."

When you start a new job, you'll probably have some type of formal orientation program, also known as onboarding. It may be nothing more than a quick introduction to policies and benefits, but some companies make an effort to offer you a taste of what kind of environment to expect.

TD Bank (TD) enrolls new employees in a program called TD University, complete with stage performances, feather boas and confetti.
The program "gets people excited with masks and noise makers but it also teaches them something" about their new work environment, says Ted Nouryan, senior vice president of organization development and chief learning officer for the bank.
Nouryan, who took part in the orientation in October, had been in the hospitality, manufacturing and high tech industries before joining TD Bank, which has headquarters Cherry Hill, N.J., and Portland, Maine.

TD University "introduced us not only to what we do, but why we do it, what the expectations are for employees." In TD's case, those expectations largely revolve around delivering customer service with a positive attitude.

I Love Rewards Inc., a Toronto-based software company, encourages a virtual visit to the cafeteria or break room even before new employees start work. "We give you a person you can email," says CEO Razor Suleman. "We bring you to an event or two."
During orientation, each newbie is assigned a buddy -- someone who has joined the company within the past year -- to share lunch, answer questions and make introductions.

Jason Salluce, business development manager, had been through several orientation programs at other companies before he joined I Love Rewards about seven months ago.
In those earlier cases, "I signed on and they gave me a binder with 400 pages," Salluce said. "It didn't come to life the way it does with this total immersion. Everyone is so passionate, it got me emotionally involved" in the company.
The "university" experience in Toronto was especially valuable, Salluce says, because he is one of the first employees at the company's newly opened Boston office.
"I received exposure to every group within the company. I learned about how relationships work. When I'm working with clients, speaking to them about rewards and recognition, I need to be able to pick up the phone and reach [the right] people. I need to know who to call," he says, and the orientation "was really great from that perspective."

If you've never been through a good orientation experience, "you may not know what you're missing," Salluce says. "If I were to go somewhere else, I would have to go out of my way to make connections. This really accelerated my knowledge. Instead of taking a couple of months [to acclimate] it took me a week."
When you need to orient yourself

It's not uncommon to arrive at a new job only to find there's not so much as a desk or a phone ready for you.

If your new job doesn't start with even the basics of an orientation program, "be prepared to onboard yourself. Make a plan," says Todd Hudson. Show initiative and "put your best foot forward."

Suleman recommends starting your own orientation before you even start the job, by contacting the person who hired you.

"Email them a week before you start. Say, 'I am so excited to come to work. I was wondering what the first week is going to be like. Is there anything I can do to prepare?' You will trigger a response."

You probably explored the company's website when you were searching for a job. If no one steps in to show you the ropes in the first hours or even days in your new position, use the website to collect information. Hudson recommends checking out the FAQs, the organization chart and other basics.
"Take responsibility. Make lists of information you need. Talk to people. Start to build your network," Hudson says.

If the company doesn't provide you with a buddy, find one, perhaps the person who referred you for the job. Take the person to lunch and ask about his or her first day with the company.

And don't be afraid to advertise to your coworkers that you're new on the job, he adds. Hudson recommends putting that information in the signature line of your email, along with your job title and where you're located. "Encourage people to contact you and help."

It's odd that people are reluctant to broadcast "I'm the new guy," he says. "Today, when somebody joins an organization people say 'thank goodness they finally hired somebody.'"

"People will start replying, saying here's some background on this project, some information you probably didn't get. They'll cut you some slack when they see that you're new and you're open to being helped."

The secret life of a resume

2011-05-19T09:19:00.002-04:00

By Tami Luhby @CNNMoney

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Just where does your resume go after you hit the submit button on a job application?

Turns out, it's not into a big black hole.

After hearing repeated complaints from the unemployed about their job applications disappearing into the void, CNNMoney decided to examine how a company fills a job posting.

We selected global technology giant, Siemens, which is currently looking for more than 3,000 engineers, salespeople, technology professionals, field service representatives and others across the United States. The company is returning to its pre-recession hiring levels, filling 10,000 positions this year.

Siemens typically advertises its openings on job boards, such as Monster and CareerBuilder, as well as on its company Web site. Employees are also notified about available positions through Siemens' intranet in case they want to apply or refer a friend. (About 40% of Siemens' jobs are filled from within.)

The company employs about 80 recruiters to sift through the more than 65,000 applications that Siemens typically receives each month. Each staffer usually has a portfolio of 30 to 35 open posts to fill.

Increasingly, the recruiters are turning to networking site LinkedIn to hunt for professionals who fit a position's criteria, even if they aren't looking for a job. Siemens pays LinkedIn for the privilege of being able to recruit on the site, allowing it to search member profiles by job function, title, location and even professional affiliation, such as the Society of Women Engineers.

"We can go from 100 million to 100 or 10 [candidates] fairly quickly," said Mike Brown, Siemens' senior director for talent acquisition, of the LinkedIn community.
The search for a civil engineer
On Feb 24, the company began looking for a civil engineer for its Orlando, Fla., headquarters of its energy division.

The job was advertised on Monster and CareerBuilder, as well as Siemens' internal and external Web sites.

Some 44 candidates applied for the position within 12 days, and a recruiter was assigned to sift through the resumes to find the best candidates.

Since it's tough to review every single resume, the recruiters depend on technology that allows them to search for applications that meet the requirements of the job.
For its civil engineer position, Siemens was looking to hire someone with five to eight years of experience and was adept at "complex material specification" and "schematic preparation." It wanted someone who is a problem solver, but also refers complex, unusual problems to others.

During those first 12 days, the recruiter found two people who fit the bill and called them on the phone to confirm the information on their resumes and get examples of their on-the-job experience. She was also trying to get a sense of whether they'd fit in at Siemens, what they expected in terms of salary, and whether they'd be willing to relocate and travel for the job. The conversations usually last between 15 and 45 minutes.

Satisfied, the recruiter sent their names to the hiring manager.
As for all the others? They get an email acknowledging their application was received. That could be the last they hear from the company if they aren't a good match. But they remain in Siemens' database, so they might be surprised with a call months later, if they turn out to be a good fit for another position.

By mid-March, another 54 people had applied for the civil engineer post, and the recruiter sent an additional four applicants to the hiring manager for review.
Of the six people presented to him, the hiring manager selected three to interview face-to-face by month's end. During that time, another 53 candidates sent in resumes.
At the interview, Siemens managers ask a lot about a candidate's previous experience.

The prospective employees will likely be prompted to describe a situation and how they handled it. The interviewers want to know what candidates learned from the episode, while listening for mention of traits important to the company. Teamwork, for instance, is key at the tech firm, so managers may inquire about a time when the candidates had to rely on other people to be successful.

The Siemens managers are also looking to ascertain an applicant's capabilities and leadership potential. For example, if the job requires that the person deal with clients around the world, then the managers may ask questions that would gauge the jobseeker's cultural sensitivities.

"It's not only to fill the position that is being advertised, but it's also to look at that talented individual joining the organization [and] where can they go in the future," said Mike Panigel, chief human resources officer for Siemens.
By early April, another 36 people had sent in resumes, too late to be considered. One person had already been selected by the hiring managers.

The successful candidate was offered the position on April 8, beating out 186 other applicants.

2011-05-11T18:23:00.000-04:00

Playing Résumé Roulette
By Richard H. Beatty, Author of "The Ultimate Job Search"

Considering the hundreds (if not thousands) of candidates applying for a single Internet job posting, how does the average job seeker compete and ensure an employer sees their résumé?

You need to know both the game and the right cards to play, if you are going to beat the odds and stand a chance of winning at 'résumé roulette.'

As most seasoned job seekers know, a high percentage of employers no longer manually process résumés but instead rely on applicant-tracking systems (or some form of résumé-screening software) to do initial résumé screening for them. By loading a number of specific words or phrases, known as "keywords," into the system, the employer's software package then electronically scans each résumé in search of these same preloaded terms, and may even "score" the application based upon the number of times the desired keywords appear in each applicant's résumé.

Repetitive use of these important keywords will often cause the software to select a given résumé for employer review over thousands of others submitted. Those lucky enough to choose the right keywords will have their résumés rise to the top of the stack, while those lacking the magical terms will quickly sink to the bottom. Choose the right words, and you're a winner; choose the wrong words, and you're dead in the water!

So, what is a job seeker to do? How does one win in this hit-or-miss game of 'résumé roulette?' Is it possible to win? Is it even worthwhile playing?

The answer is yes! You can't afford not to play, if you are going to wage a successful job-search campaign.

Review of several recent surveys suggests that Internet job postings are now the No. 1 source for landing a job, accounting for an estimated 33 percent of the market. This is followed by networking/employee referral standing at about 25 percent, and headhunters at about 12 percent. So, the Internet needs to be a key component of your overall job-search strategy.

So how can one win at this game of 'résumé roulette?' Here are some tips from my new book, "The Ultimate Job Search," that you can use to stack the deck in your favor:

Study Employment Ads
Start by searching job sites for your desired position. Print out several of the resultant job listings and lay them side-by-side on your kitchen table. With a highlighter in hand, read through each of these ads and highlight all nouns and noun phrases which represent the key qualifications (skills and competencies) being sought by the employer. (Note: These are all potential keywords.)

Once this process is completed, list the same highlighted nouns and noun phrases contained in each job posting on a separate sheet of paper. Then, as these same skill areas are repeated from ad to ad, simply place a checkmark behind that keyword.

Now review your list. Obviously, those keywords having the greatest number of checkmarks are the skills and competencies most employers are seeking when filling your target position. You might consider these a sort of "universal set" of keywords that most employers consider important to job success. Thus, you will want to be sure to incorporate these important terms repeatedly throughout your résumé document. This will substantially improve your résumé's odds of being selected for further consideration by the employer.

Job Descriptions
A similar analysis can be conducted using job descriptions. In order to gather a sampling of appropriate job descriptions, simply conduct an Internet search by inserting both your target job title and the words "job description" in the search box of any major search engine.

By highlighting important keywords and tabulating the results contained in these job descriptions, as you have done with Internet job postings, you will have identified a universal set of keywords that needs to be skillfully incorporated into your résumé. It may also be a good idea to compare this list with those previously identified through Internet job-posting analysis, as a means of further prioritizing your keyword list.

Intelligent use of keywords in your résumé can help take the guesswork out of 'résumé roulette.' It's no longer just a hit-or-miss proposition.

HOW CLOSING CREDIT CARDS AFFECT YOUR CREDIT SCORE

2011-05-03T20:22:00.001-04:00

Many consumers close credit cards after becoming what seems like too delinquent to catch up. There seems to be the notion that closing cards makes the delinquency go away. Not only is this not the case, closing out a delinquent credit card will hurt your credit more than it will help. Here are five credit cards that you should never close.

Any credit card that still has a balance.
When you close a credit card that has a balance, your total available credit is lowered to $0. Since you still have a balance on that credit card with no credit limit, it looks like you’ve maxed out. The amount of debt you have is 30% of your credit score; so a maxed out credit card, or one that appears to be maxed out, can have a very negative impact on your credit score.

1. Your only credit card with available credit.
Closing out this card will decrease total available credit and increase your credit utilization, which, as before, is not a desired situation.
2. Your only credit card.
Since part of your credit score into consideration the different types of credit you have, keeping a credit card in the mix will add points to your credit score. You could get turned down for a credit card in the future because the creditor thinks you don’t have enough experience with credit cards.
3. Your oldest credit card account.
Closing out your old credit cards shortens your credit history. Lenders tend to view borrowers with short credit histories as riskier than borrowers with longer histories. Closing your oldest credit card won't impact your credit score immediately. But, once the credit card falls off your credit report 10 years down the road, you might see an unexpected credit score drop.
4. The credit card with the best terms.
Why let a good thing go? If you have a credit card that has a low interest rate, no annual fee, and other perks like travel insurance, keep it. A credit card that charges you less for making purchases is far better than one that charges you more.
It’s ok to close out a newer credit card that you no longer use as long as the card does not have a balance and you have other credit cards.

In identity theft and fraud situations, your creditors will advise you to close the credit card to keep the thief from damaging your credit even further.
The right way to close a credit card is by sending a written notice to the card issuer. For your records, you should request written confirmation that the account was closed in good standing.
You should be just as selective about the credit cards you close as the ones you open. Before you pick up the phone to alert your creditor that you want to close your account, make sure it’s not going to affect your credit score in a negative way.
From About.com 5/2/11 Submitted by Maria Vivier, Default Prevention Manager Keiser University

Graduates’ First Job: Marketing Themselves

2011-04-26T16:05:00.004-04:00

By PHYLLIS KORKKI
Published: May 22, 2010

E-mail: thesearch@nytimes.com.
A version of this article appeared in print on May 23, 2010, on page BU10 of the New York edition.

THIS spring, college seniors are entering a better job market than the class of 2009 faced. Unfortunately, that is not saying much because 2009 was one of the worst years in the history of hiring.
Still, hiring of this year’s crop of graduates is up 5 percent over the previous year, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. To employers the most desirable majors include accounting, engineering, computing and mathematics, according to Edwin Koc, research director of the association. Companies are also seeking evidence of communication and writing skills, analytical ability and teamwork, Mr. Koc said. Whatever your strengths and weaknesses, you will need to “bring your A game” to this job market, said Katharine Brooks, director of liberal arts career services at the University of Texas at Austin and author of a career guide called “You Majored in What?” Dr. Brooks has seen some evidence of an upturn. For example, Facebook just opened an office in Austin with many positions that would be appropriate for new college graduates. But over all, “we’re just talking a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak picture,” she said. That means you can’t be casual about your job search, she said, and your résumé, cover letter and interviewing skills must be top notch. Above all, “you need to be able to articulate the value of your degree,” she said, especially if you are in the liberal arts, and there isn’t a linear connection between what you majored in and the job you are seeking. Take philosophy majors. There aren’t a lot of jobs for philosophers. But people use logic to formulate and weigh ideas and to reach conclusions, which can make training in philosophy very effective in the business world, Dr. Brooks said. Being able to spell that out concretely, with specific examples, could be crucial to being hired. English majors face similar hurdles. But in most fields, it is important to write and speak clearly and to see things from different perspectives. A graduate with an English degree who tailors those strengths to a particular job description can make a strong case for being hired. An understanding of the human condition gained through great literature can be helpful in professions like social work, Dr. Brooks said. Beyond your major, have stories to tell about how your experiences would make you a good employee, suggested Nathan Bennett, co-author of “Your Career Game” and a professor at the Georgia Tech College of Management. And it doesn’t have to be work experience. For example, someone who has been a camp counselor will have leadership stories to tell, he said. In this market, graduates need to be flexible about geographic location, job title and salary, Dr. Bennett said. And they should be willing to consider a smaller company rather than a marquee name. Take full advantage of your school’s placement office and alumni network, Dr. Bennett said. But “the trick is not to aim too high.” If you are applying for a job at a bank, talk to a 25- or 26-year-old alumnus there rather than a 45-year-old, he said, because that person will have a better idea of how to get hired at the entry level. Many new graduates are not sure what they want to do and are worried about taking the wrong job, Dr. Brooks said. Remember that no job needs to be permanent.
She uses the metaphor of chaos theory to explain the job search process. “It’s a complex world, and you can’t predict everything, so don’t try to,” she said. When you are starting in the work force, “Look for opportunities to learn, take a risk, try things out, see what you like, and always be open to the next opportunity,” she said. If you don’t like your first job, at least you have learned what you don’t like, and you can carry that knowledge to your next job, she said. Graduates can fall victim to a sense of paralysis if they aren’t sure what direction to take, Dr. Bennett said. People in their early 20s have plenty of time to take chances. After all, their working life is probably going to last at least twice as long as their current age, he said. Some graduates with little or no work experience may wonder what they have to offer over an applicant with more experience. But recent college graduates are less expensive than more seasoned workers, and that can be an advantage (to the employer, if not the graduate’s wallet) in a tougher economy. But mainly, businesses hire new graduates as an investment, said Dan Black, Americas director for campus recruiting at Ernst & Young. For one thing, younger people tend to have a stronger grasp of the latest technology, Mr. Black said. In addition, this generation of students has been exposed to greater cultural diversity, he said, and they are using the Web and other technology to connect globally. Add the energy and enthusiasm that new graduates tend to possess and their value is clear. As Dr. Brooks put it, “They may not have the experience, but what they have is potential.”

For Job Seekers, Company Sites Beat Online Job Boards, Social Media

2011-04-14T11:41:00.004-04:00

By JOE LIGHT

Source: http://www.wsj.com/ (Wall Street Journal)

To make one hire, recruiters wade through more than six times as many applications from job boards than they do from their own websites, according to an analysis of hiring data by Jobs2web Inc., which helps companies track the sources of applicants and hires. According to the analysis, companies look through about 219 applications per job from job seekers who discovered the posting on a major board, such as Monster.com or CareerBuilder.com, before finding someone to hire, compared with 33 applications per hire from job hunters who find the job on the company's own career site and 32 per hire when a job seeker types the job they are looking for into a search engine.

Someone who is browsing on a job board might bump into many jobs that he thinks he might have an outside shot of getting, said Jobs2web chief financial officer Steve Shaffer. On the other hand, someone who searches for a specific job on a search engine or decides to look at a certain company's website probably has more relevant experience, he said. "The fewer applicants you need to go through, the better," he said. There were about 116 applicants from social-media sites, like Facebook.com and Linkedin.com, for every one that was hired.

Even though job boards are more crowded, they remain a major source of hiring for many firms, noted Gerry Crispin, co-founder of CareerXroads Inc., a consulting firm. A January CareerXroads study found that about 25% of hires of external candidates came through job boards.

Still, for job seekers, getting a referral from an employee is far and away the best way to get noticed by a recruiter, Mr. Crispin said. CareerXroads found that recruiters made one hire for about every 10 referrals they received.

"It increases your chances of getting a job tenfold. If an employee makes a referral, they at least have some feeling that the individual will be a better employee," he said. The Jobs2web analysis included 1.3 million applications and 26,000 hires in 2010.

Have You Checked Your Credit Card Rate Lately?

2011-04-12T20:41:00.001-04:00

Many people pay high credit card interest rates for years without ever thinking to call their credit card issuer and request a lower interest rate. Credit card interest rates are often a negotiation. You'll never know if you can get a lower interest rate on your credit card if you never ask. Credit card issuers don't always lower interest rates, but it's worth a try. If you're stumped on what to say to your credit card issuer, here are 5 things you can say to get a lower rate on your credit card. #1 Hi. I've been a good customer for several years, but I really need to have a lower interest rate on my credit card. #2 Hello. I've been a customer for several years. I have excellent credit and I've been receiving lower rate credit card offers from other credit card issuers. I'm wondering if you can lower my interest rate to match these offers. #3 Hi. I'm a good customer but I've received offers from other credit card issuers with lower APRs. I'd like to get a lower rate on my card or I'll transfer my balance to another credit card. #4 Hello. I've had a credit card with you for six years with no late payments or high credit card balances. For the past several months, I've been charged 18% APR. I'd like to lower my interest rate to 9%. Can you do that? #5 Hi. I just received an offer from another credit card issuer for 0% APR. However, my interest rate with you is 12%. I'd like to remain a customer with you, but I need to have my interest rate lowered or I'll have to switch credit cards. When you make the call, remain call and polite. Don't get angry with the customer service representative, even if they can't lower your interest rate. If the customer service rep can't lower your interest rate, ask to speak to a supervisor and repeat your speech. If you're still denied, thank the supervisor for their time and wait a few months before you try again. From Credit/Debt Management 4/7/11 issue Submitted by Maria Vivier Default Prevention Manager

Ace the interview - no matter what

2011-04-02T14:16:00.004-04:00

CNNMoney.com FORTUNE Interview by Beth Kowitt September 23, 2010: 11:30 AM ET

Bill Byham, co-founder and CEO of Development Dimensions International

Congratulations! You've gotten past the résumé gatekeepers and landed a job interview. But even if you're completely prepped for your one on one, you still don't know what to expect from your interviewer. "You have to turn that around and give them a good interview even if they didn't ask for it," says Bill Byham, co-founder and CEO of Development Dimensions International, a human resources consulting firm. Byham, whose company works with Fortune 500 mainstays, is famous for developing a job-interviewing strategy called targeted selection. Its goal is to get job candidates to speak in specifics about their past, which helps predict future performance. Here he shows us how you can turn your interview into a focused and successful hour.

Know your predecessors

Interviewers hire based on the previous employee's failures in the job. If the last person had deadline issues, you are going to hear all kinds of questions about deadlines. To be prepared, talk to people who work for your potential employer. The more you can find out about those who were in the job before, the more insight you'll have into what's important to the interviewer.

Liars don't get hired

If you make something up, a good interviewer will figure it out right away. If you say, for example, "I produced this ad that got very high ratings," a well-trained questioner will say, "Tell me what exactly you did in making this ad. Who made the decisions along the way?" They'll find out that you didn't come up with the basic idea. Honesty has become very important to our clients, so the interviewer will weigh negatively any suggestion that you're covering up something.

Take advantage of the unprepared

It's easy to get a poor interviewer off track -- because he doesn't have a track. If you go in knowing what you want to emphasize, just a bit of hinting lets you take control. It's great to bring a visual, like your portfolio. If the conversation sputters, just bring it out. Yet be careful: If you do it with a prepared interviewer, you may seem annoying. Poor interviewers often end by saying, "Do you have anything else to tell me, or is there anything we didn't cover?" Ninety-nine percent of job seekers say, "No, I don't have anything more." But that's a great place to bring something up. If you are prepared, you should say, "We didn't talk about this. Is that important?"

Money Matters: Student Loan Tips!

2011-03-28T11:11:00.002-04:00

Steps to Avoid Defaulting On Your Student Loan

*Borrow only what you need and nothing more.

*Over-borrowing can get you deeper into debt.

*While you are in school live like a broke student…try not to spend too much.

*Understand your obligations and responsibilities before signing your contract and taking out a loan.

*Know when your payments are due and pay your student loan payments on time and in full.

Notify your lenders if you graduate, quit school, have financial difficulties or change address. The failure to receive a monthly statement does not relieve you of your responsibilities and obligations to your student loan repayment.

Tips for Dealing with Your Loan Holder

It is usually best to communicate with your loan servicer in writing because you will have a physical record of what has been said and done.

Keep a Record of Events. If you speak with someone on the phone, make a note of whom you speak to, when, and what was said. If you use the mail, keep a copy of your letter and of any replies you receive.

Keep the Evidence. Keep the originals of all receipts, bills, letters and e-mails regarding your account. Provide copies of the originals if you are asked for them. Send letters via certified mail, with a return receipt requested.

Write Clearly and Concisely. Be polite and courteous, but don’t be afraid to convey the detail of any incident and to articulate your concerns. Write down the facts in a logical order and stick to what is relevant. Remember to include important details like your account number or social security number. Put these details at the top of your letter.

Agree on a Reasonable Time to Expect a Response. Ask for a response in a reasonable time, and be sure to tell the person how you can be reached.

*Submitted by Maria Vivier

Default Prevention Manager, Keiser University

Japan: How you can help!

2011-03-25T12:05:00.003-04:00

I am sure you have heard by now the devastation and destruction affecting Japan. You may be wondering how you can help. I would like to provide you with some valuable resources to get involved locally in your area that will directly impact the people of Japan. They need you. You can donate, volunteer, give blood and more! See how you can get involved. See how you can make a difference!

http://www.redcross.org/

Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10
1-800 RED CROSS

Stressed at work? How to move up or out

2011-03-24T09:20:00.000-04:00

By Stephenie Overman, contributor, March 22, 2011

FORTUNE

If you are burnt out by your job and looking elsewhere, you've got plenty of company.
In fact, more than a third of U.S. employees (36%) say they're experiencing chronic work stress, according to this year's American Psychological Association survey. And 32% of the survey's 1,546 respondents say they plan to seek employment elsewhere within the next year.
Those who responded to the survey cited salary concerns, lack of opportunities for advancement, heavy workloads and long hours as sources of their stress, according to David W. Ballard, who is head of the APA's Psychologically Healthy Workplace Program.
Some stress is positive, according to the APA, releasing adrenaline that can enhance a person's performance and problem-solving ability. But chronic stress, defined as constant and persisting over an extended period of time, can cause anxiety, insomnia, muscle pain, high blood pressure and a weakened immune system. Such stress puts people at risk for developing illnesses like heart disease, diabetes and depression.
"It's easy to get isolated, trudging to work every day," Ballard says. He recommends building new skills and maintaining connections with friends and colleagues who can be sources of brighter career opportunities.

Take control of the situation

An advancement or exit strategy can counter chronic stress.
"Employees can boost their own morale because they realize that they are not helpless victims tied to a bad economy. They are preparing themselves to embrace future opportunities when they become available," says Cheryl E. Palmer, president of Call to Career in Silver Spring, Md.
If a heavy workload seems to preclude time for accumulating skills and connections, perhaps it's time to let go of some of the overwhelming details of the job.
"Most times, if something is 80% done, it's ready to go. The extra 20% really won't make much of a difference," says Roberta Chinsky Matuson, author of Suddenly In Charge: Managing Up, Managing Down, Succeeding All Around. "This philosophy will help you leave the office before 8 p.m. each evening," she says, and it will free up time to prepare a move up -- or out.
The key to moving up is demonstrating that you can perform at the next level, says Dorothy Tannahill-Moran, a career coach in Portland, Ore. "You should be clamoring to be given work from the levels above you. Ask for 'extra' work from someone who is overburdened or ask to fill in for them when they go on vacation."
Try to anticipate problems that you can solve without being asked to do it, she adds. "It shows you are responsible and committed."
Company-sponsored training is a good way to acquire new skills on company time, Palmer says. If you're thinking of switching companies, make sure the training will be useful outside your current organization.

Ask for help

You can even turn to your boss for help with work stress and with moving forward.
"It's one thing to do the work of two people while a position is being re-staffed. It's another to continue to take on two jobs for the rest of your working life," says Chinsky Matuson, who is president of Human Resource Solutions in Northampton, Mass. "Let your boss know that you are drowning and ask for a life preserver to keep you afloat."
But before you walk into the boss's office and announce that you're stressed, think about your long-term goals, recommends Kathy Kane, senior vice president of talent management for Adecco Group North America.
"Think about how your [current] role fits in. What is it I'm passionate about, how do I build a career here? That can help get the conversation going about what you're doing now to build your career," says Kane. "I think any boss would love to have somebody talk about the future instead of saying `I have too much on my plate.'"
Your boss is likely to have better insight into the different types of careers available at your company and know where your skills will be most useful, she says. "Most bosses can help you plan for your future if you bring them enough information. Your boss may say this is just not going to happen here." If that's the case, he or she might be willing to put you in contact with someone outside the company.
"Let [your boss] be part of helping you succeed. You shouldn't be so scared of going to your boss. At the end of the day, they want people to succeed," Kane says.

Develop an exit strategy

If you've got your eye set on the nearest way out, start to work on your exit plan now.
"There is no reason to wait for a news flash that it's time to start looking for another job," says Tannahill-Moran.
Update your resume and create a complete list of people you want to keep in touch with. Pull together documentation of your achievements, such as performance reviews, awards or emails from your boss complimenting you on a job well done.
Jennifer Davidson, a career coach in Portland, Ore., recommends preparing for future opportunities by getting an accountability partner.
Whether you ask a friend or hire a coach, "find someone who you schedule time with to specifically discuss your career goals, resume readiness and networking strategies," says Davidson.
"Make the career accountability session work for you. A coffee date out, happy hour or a weekly walk. Simply do something that helps you fuel your energy tank," she says.
Start each session with five minutes of venting about whatever you want, without requiring feedback from your partner, Davison advises. "The five minutes allows you to get things off your chest and gives you a voice. However, five minutes is not so long that you will spend all of your time being negative."
Taking time out for accountability sessions will increase your energy, morale and provide perspective, she says. "Imagine exactly what you want, how it will feel and what it looks like. Know what you want, write it out and share it with your career accountability partner. Accountability reminds you that you are not alone and gives you a set time to focus on the future in a positive way."

Keiser University Online Career Center
By Student Services

Are you currently looking for work or a new career? We have an online career center at www.collegecentral.com/keiser where there are various resources including a) career advice video library, b) announcements, c) career events, and d) nation-wide job postings. Please register to use our FREE service and begin sending your resume out today. This is a service we provide to all of our students, graduates, and employers.

Tracking How You're Doing Financially

2011-03-02T12:12:00.000-05:00

From About.com 2/27/11 Submitted by Maria Vivier

Two major components of tracking how you’re doing financially can be broken down into your income and debt levels. Obviously, you’d like to have more income coming in than debt payments going out, but even if you are making more money than you owe, how can you tell if that’s good enough? That’s where the debt to income ratio can come in handy. This quick calculation can give you an idea of where you stand and can be helpful in helping you with other financial decisions such as figuring out how much money you can borrow to buy a house.

Ratios as a Financial Litmus Test
Financial ratios don’t give you a terribly detailed picture of your financial situation, but they can be used to quickly gauge how you’re doing. In addition to the debt to income ratio, another easy ratio to calculate is your net worth. With net worth you’re essentially adding up all of your assets and measuring them against all of your liabilities. A positive number means you have more assets than liabilities while a negative number means you have more liabilities than assets. This number can help you track your financial progress from year to year. Not only is the net worth calculation useful, but your debt to income ratio can come in very handy. In fact, it’s even used by many lenders to determine whether or not to extend financing if you’re requesting a loan. If you have a head start and already know what your debt to income ratio is, you’ll be better prepared to find the loan that’s right for you.

Calculating Your Debt to Income Ratio
Calculating your debt to income ratio is as simple as adding up all of your debt and subtracting it from your income. Some calculations may exclude things like mortgage payments and property taxes, but to really get a complete picture it’s best to include everything. So, to get started, take a moment to gather all of your monthly debt obligations. This will include monthly payments such as: Mortgage payment (including taxes, insurance, private mortgage insurance, etc.) car payment, minimum credit card payment, student loan payment, child support, any other monthly debt obligations. When you add these all up it will give you your total monthly debt payments. Keep this number handy as we’ll be using it in just a minute. Next, you need to calculate your monthly income. Start with your monthly salary. If you receive any additional bonuses on a yearly or quarterly basis, be sure to divide it out to get the per month number. Finally, add up any additional income you receive, whether through dividends, a side business, or whatever the case may be. Total these all up and you will have your total monthly income.
Now comes the easy part. To determine your debt to income ratio simply take your total debt payment number and divide it by your total monthly income. That equals your debt to income ratio. For example, if you came up with a $2,000 total debt payment number and monthly income of $6,000, that leaves you with a debt to income ratio of 33%.
Why Debt to Income is Important So you’ve calculated your debt to income ratio, but what does that number mean? Obviously, this is a number you want to be as low as possible. The less debt you have relative to your income, the better off you are financially since you have extra money to apply toward other goals. But it’s also important in terms of deciding how much of a house you can afford. Lenders tend to look at two key debt to income ratios when it comes to mortgages. First, they look at the front ratio, which is the debt to income ratio that includes all housing costs. Then, there is the back ratio, which looks at your non-mortgage debt to income ratio. Generally speaking, lenders would like to see your front ratio at 36% or less and your back ratio at 28% or less. Keep in mind that these ratios are only guidelines and there are many other factors that go into determining how much you can borrow and at what rate. But if you want to have a general idea of what’s to be expected, you can play with these numbers to see where you stand and how you can improve your situation.

Home Depot to hire 60,000 seasonal workers

2011-02-22T17:43:00.000-05:00

Source: www.CNN.com
By: Aaron Smith, staff writer

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Home Depot said Tuesday that it will hire more than 60,000 seasonal workers in anticipation of a springtime rush for home improvement supplies.
"Spring is our Christmas and (customer) traffic is at its highest during this season," said Craig Menear, executive vice president for merchandising at Home Depot.
The seller of home improvement tools and supplies refers to this period as its "spring Black Friday," a reference to the day after Thanksgiving that's the traditional kickoff to the year-end holiday season.
Home Depot (HD, Fortune 500) said it will hire seasonal workers during the months of February and March.
The retailer also said it is "adding net new permanent full-time and part-time positions to its stores for the second year in a row."
This is the latest sign that the job market might be improving. On Feb. 10, the U.S. Labor Department reported that weekly jobless claims plunged to their lowest level in two and a-half years.
In addition, the unemployment rate fell to 9% in January from 9.4% the month before, according to the government, though some of the information in the monthly report was conflicting.

6 Internet Traps that Stall a Job Search

2011-01-27T11:58:00.000-05:00

Using the Internet is clearly the "go-to" approach used by most job-seekers today, but be certain you don't treat your online search efforts casually. Any mistakes could be broadcast to a wider audience than you imagine. Not all publicity is good publicity when it comes to your personal branding enterprise or online job search. Anything posted online tends to take on a life of its own, including job postings. So be certain you maintain as much control as possible of your own information and job search avoiding these 6 traps

1.Posting personal contact information.You need a balance here between being able to be contacted and making yourself vulnerable to identity theft. When posting your resume, follow each site's posting guidelines, and be aware of how "public" your contact information will be when your resume "goes live". Check the settings to see if employers have a secure portal for the site, or if your resume is available to anyone on the Internet. The more secure the better in targeting your job search and maintaining your privacy.

2.Using inappropriate email addresses.Make sure you have selected an email account that is appropriate to your job search. One that is too personal definitely sends the wrong message, suggesting that your boundaries between work and play are not in place. Similar concerns may be raised about your judgment if you use your current work email. There are many options to open free email accounts online. Consider one of those resources to set up a dedicated email account just for your job search. It may also help you organize your job search efforts.

3.Opening your job search up to your current employer.There are many ways your current employer may learn about your job search, but you can take a few precautions to lessen that possibility. Avoid using any contact information from your current place of employment. Be selective about where you choose to post. Wallpapering the Internet with your resume is likely to create more problems than positive results for you. Do not use work stations or equipment at the office to launch your online job search.

4.Failing to match your qualifications to those required in the position.It is tempting to send out resumes to interesting positions, particularly if you are ready to explore a new area or feel stuck in your current industry. Using the "old shot-gun" approach of sending the resume to multiple sites is relatively easy and inexpensive, but such an indiscriminate approach may diffuse your efforts and paint you as desperate or lacking focus. Don't diminish your strengths by responding to "everything"!

5.Limiting your job search to online efforts.Not all jobs are posted online. Depending on your geographic parameters, you may want to get out and search local job sources as well. Networking continues to be a strong source of jobs for diligent and well-connected candidates. Don't rely just on Internet contacts – give your phone number and physical address when you personalize these responses. Remember, don't use company time or equipment in sending things out or identifying contact information.

6.Not researching companies to which you are applying.By finding out about the corporate culture for positions of interest, you are more likely to be successful in aligning your job search efforts and resume with those of the company. And of course, use the Internet to find out basic contact information to take control in reaching the right person.

from: http://www.jobing.com/

Five Tips College Students Need to Be Credit Card Smart

2011-01-25T09:41:00.000-05:00

When you use a credit card properly, it can be a convenient method of payment, help you to establish your credit history, and start your financial independence on the right foot.

Going to college is, for most students, the first time they'll feel really independent. And, accordingly, the rest of the world starts treating them like adults too, from the expectations of college professors to the credit card offers that will start flooding in. And just as it's important to study hard for a major, it's essential to learn what are the real benefits and repercussions of having a credit card.

This is the first opportunity you have to establish credit, and if you abuse it now, it will follow you for years to come. Bad credit can affect everything from your ability to get a cell phone, buy a car, rent an apartment, or purchase a house to your chances for getting a job -- more employers are now checking the credit history of potential employees before hiring.

To get off to a good start with your credit card, here are five tips to learn -- life will test you on them later.

1. Don't take the first offer you get. Offers will come to your mailbox, appear at stores where you shop and there might even be people from the credit card company on campus, offering cards to passersby. It's smart to collect as much information as you can about different cards, and then make comparisons. Don't apply for a lot of cards, as simply applying can in itself hurt your credit, if you do it too many times.

2. Don't treat it as income. A credit card is not free money, though it sometimes feels like it. Remember that a credit card comes with interest, so if you don't use it responsibly, you'll be paying for what you buy -- and then some. Credit cards can definitely be convenient, but remember that you should only spend money that you're guaranteed to have coming in.

3. Remember that there's no such thing as a free lunch. Those enticing benefits of credit cards -- the airline miles, the shopping rewards, the cash-back offers -- they aren't always what they appear to be. It might sound like they're just a great free benefit of having and using a card, but the true cost of those programs show up in things like annual fees and interest rates. You may be paying for it, one way or another.

4. Be a micro-manager. Having a credit card is a big responsibility, and you need to be active in monitoring your use of it. Keep track of payment due dates -- mark it on your calendar, set up an alert on your phone or computer, or enroll in an automatic payment option. If you're late in making a payment, you might not only have to pay a late fee, but your interest rate will likely skyrocket, making it more difficult to pay off your balance. You should also keep track of your credit score and overall credit health. You can get a free credit report once a year from Equifax, but it's a good idea to check more than once, so that you know exactly where you stand.

5. Pay attention to the news. Credit card industry changes have a direct effect on you and your card. Recently, Congress passed and President Obama signed into law the Credit CARD Act, which changed the rules of how credit card companies interact with their customers. Not only do they have to limit their marketing efforts on college campuses, but they must also give card holders more advance notice of changes in terms, among other things. Keeping up on the news will help in your financial life, but it's also a great benefit for your academic life.
When you use a credit card properly, it can be a convenient method of payment, and it can help you to establish your credit history. If you follow these steps, you'll be starting your financial independence on the right foot.

To find out more about credit monitoring and the power of your credit, visit www.equifax.com.

Courtesy of ARAContent

2011 - companies are hiring!!

2011-01-04T14:28:00.000-05:00

COMPANIES ARE HIRING!

taken from www.careerbuilder.com

the best employment resource on the web!

Another year and another set of resolutions.
You might not stick to all of them.

One resolution that many people make at midnight is to find a new job. Unemployed job seekers and unsatisfied workers alike want a new job. They want good compensation.
They want to do what they love.
And after the last few years of a frustrating economy that didn't make finding work easy, job seekers are eager for 2011 to be the year when it finally happens.

We can't promise you a job, but we can point you in the right direction.

We put together a list of companies who are hiring in the new year. Across several industries, employers are hiring workers of all levels. Not a bad start to 2011.

So, let's cross one resolution off your list right now.
Check out this list of companies hiring in the new year:

Aaron's, Inc. Industry: Retail salesSample job titles: Manager trainees, deliver drivers, customer service representative, sales managers, collections managersLocation: Nationwide

Access InsuranceIndustry: InsuranceSample job titles: Auto claims adjuster, bodily claims adjuster, bi-lingual customer service representativeLocation: Atlanta, Orange, Calif.

Alpine Access Industry: Customer serviceSample job titles: Customer service associateLocation: Nationwide

Bayada Nurses Industry: Health careSample job titles: Pediatric RNs and LPNs, occupational therapists, clinical managersLocation: N.J., Penn., N.Y., R.I., Ariz., N.C., Colo., Ga., Fla., S.C.

Bob Evans Industry: Retail/restaurantSample job titles: Restaurant manager Location: Nationwide

Cardinal Health Industry: Health careSample job titles: Sales, IT, engineering Location: Nationwide

Centene CorporationIndustry: HealthcareSample job titles: Health coach, case managers, management, member connection representativesLocation: Austin, Dallas, St. Louis

Daymon Worldwide Industry: Consulting, retail Sample job titles: Business manager, sales and merchandising manager, retail sales managerLocation: California, N.Y., Md., Conn., Ohio, Tenn. Nc, Pa, Kans., Texas, Ma, Fla., R.I., Mich.

Emeritus Senior Living Industry: Senior livingSample job titles: Staff accountant, part-time concierge, maintenance director, resident assistant, assistant executive director, financial analystLocation: Nationwide

Fifth Third Bank Industry: Financial services Sample job titles: Mortgage loan originator, personal banker, financial center manager, customer service rep, wealth management advisor, commercial portfolio manager, business development officerLocation: Ohio, Ken., Ind., Mich., Ill., Fla., Tenn., W.V., Penn., Mo., Ga., N.C.

FirstGroup Industry: TransportationSample job titles: Bus driver, mechanicLocation: Nationwide

First Data Industry: Merchant servicesSample job titles: Product manager, sales, ITLocation: Nationwide

Fresenius Industry: Health careSample job titles: Home therapies RN, patient account representative, Ultracare case managerLocation: Nationwide

Infor Global Solutions Industry: IT/softwareSample job titles: Associate software engineer, senior business consultant, sales, account managementLocation: Ann Arbor, Greenville, Grand Rapids, Colorado Springs, Atlanta, Malvern, Penn., Houston

Liberty Tax Service Industry: Tax preparationSample job titles: Tax preparer, marketer, office manager, marketing managerLocation: Nationwide

NAPA Auto Care Industry: AutomotiveSample job titles: Product manager, sales, ITLocation: Nationwide

Overland Solutions Industry: Audit and loss controlSample job titles: Premium auditor, insurance inspector, loss control consultantLocation: Nationwide

Paetec Industry: TelecommunicationsSample job titles: Regional sales directorLocation: Nationwide

Paycom Industry: Payroll servicesSample job titles: Outside sales representativeLocation: Texas, Okla., Ill., Ga.

REI Systems, Inc. Industry: Software development and designSample job titles: Applications mockup developers, business analysts, database engineers, enterprise report writers, Java developers, Linux system administrators, .Net software engineers, project managers, quality assurance engineers, SharePoint architectsLocation: Va., Washington D.C.

Schneider National, Inc. Industry: TransportationSample job titles: Dedicated truck driver, tanker truck driver, truck driver/owner-operator, tanker truck driver/owner-operator, class A truck driver, intermodal truck driver, regional truck driver, team truck driversLocation: Penn., Los Angeles, Memphis, Davenport, Iowa, Indianapolis, Akron, Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis, Green Bay, Milwaukee

Happy Hunting! Make 2011 about success!

2011 - Job Searching Tips

2011-01-03T10:40:00.000-05:00

It's 2011 and it's time to take control of your job search. This year, it's no longer up to companies to hire you, it's up to you to get hired. Forget about how the economy is doing. Reflect on last year if you must, but then forget about that, too. This year, your focus will be on finding the right job for you and doing everything you can to be the best candidate for that job. The competition may still be tough, but here's how to turn the tables in your favor.

1. Narrow your search. Stop applying to jobs that you're not qualified for or don't really want. It's a waste of time. Be honest with yourself when evaluating job postings. If you had to start the job tomorrow, do you have all the skills you'd need to succeed? Or are there areas of the job description that you don't have experience in? While it's always great to be willing to learn, most companies want to hire someone who can jump right in and get started without being trained from scratch. Focus your time on creating great applications for jobs you are well-qualified for instead.

2. Know exactly what you want. Narrowing down your job search may force you to ask yourself tough questions like: What kind of job am I really after? And what skills can I offer an employer? If you're unsure of the answer, make one list of the job skills you excel at and one of the skills you like to use most. Use these skills as search terms in your job search.

3. Re-evaluate your skills. If you feel as if you've looked at every job posting on earth and you still can't find one your skills match up with, then it's time to get some new skills. The good news for those who are unemployed is that it's the perfect opportunity to go back to school. You won't have to divide your time with your job obligations, and there's also the possibility that the economy will have recovered a bit by the time you graduate, giving you a double leg up. Government funding and other programs are available for out-of-work job seekers who want to enroll in training or continue their education.

4. Set goals. Yes, your overall goal may be to get a job, but setting short-term, specific job search goals for the year will help you grow and force you to continuously evaluate your progress. Improve your networking skills, for example, by making January's goal to join a professional organization and February's to attend a college alumni event. Holding yourself accountable for achieving these goals will boost your self-esteem and motivate you to continue searching by providing you with new leads and information.

5. Try something new. If you're stuck in a job search rut, add a new strategy to your repertoire. Instead of only job searching online, try working with a recruiter and setting up informational interviews with industry contacts, too. A multifaceted approach will get the best results.

6. Get a leg up on the competition. If you come across a job that seems perfect for you, do something that will subtly help you stand out from the crowd. When you find a job posting you want to apply to, find out the name of the hiring manager or someone who works in the same department, and send the person an e-mail directly. It's 2011, which means almost anything can be found online, including names and e-mail addresses. A LinkedIn search on the company should turn up a list of employees and their titles, from which you can select the most appropriate person. Then, search the company website or press releases for the company's e-mail format.

7. Get ahold of your online reputation: When human-resources managers search for your name online – and they will do it – you can either take control of what they see, or you can leave it to the powers of the crawl search gods. Search results that are professional and consistent and that establish you as an expert in your field will be far more impressive than Facebook pictures from Thanksgiving. Things like a Facebook or LinkedIn profile and a Twitter feed will all show up on the first page, so signing up for these sites and populating the accounts with up-to-date, professional content will make a great impression.

8. Start a website: If you want to take your Internet presence one step further, starting a website will showcase your skills and talents in a thorough and interesting way, and it'll add to your professionalism and give you credibility. Plus, it's not as costly or as time-consuming as you might think. Domain names (i.e. YourName.com), can be registered on sites like GoDaddy.com or Bluehost.com for around $10, and web hosting can cost as little as $3 per month. If you're not particularly tech savvy, premade blog templates give you a professional look with minimal hassle. Wordpress.com has tons of template options and also provides great technical support for novices.

9. Stay current: You should always be in the loop, even if you're out of work. Read trade publications, comment on industry blogs and stay on top of any emerging technologies or policies that may affect your career path. This will not only help you have a great conversation with an interviewer and keep your professional edge, but it may also give you new ideas about where and how to look for a job.

10. Sell yourself: An interview is no time for modesty, especially in times like these. When you land an interview, go prepared with at least five examples that demonstrate your best qualities. That way, when an interviewer asks, "Why should I hire you," you can talk about how you're such a quick learner that you taught yourself Photoshop in a week and how your entrepreneurial spirit led you to start your first lawn-mowing business at age 16. Be sure to leave the interviewer with the phone numbers of references who will back you up with glowing recommendations.

11. Keep that glass half-full approach, all year: A job search will always have its frustrating moments, because things don't always happen when or how we want them to happen. But instead of letting setbacks ruin motivation, take them as lessons. Your lack of interviews may mean it's time to re-evaluate your career path or skills, which could lead you to a more fulfilling career. This type of positive attitude will be much more productive in helping you find your next job.

The bottom line is that job searching will be tough this year, but landing a job -- even your dream job -- can still be a reality. A proactive job search is your best bet, so take the necessary steps to ensure you get the job you want.

Taken From:
Kaitlin Madden is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow @Careerbuilder on Twitter.

Job Seeking during Holidays!

2010-11-15T15:37:00.000-05:00

By Beth Braccio Hering, special to www.careerbuilder.com

As the calendar year comes to a close, job seekers may be tempted to put their hunt on hold. After all, companies are too busy trying to get work done amongst office parties and days off to have time for new hires, right?
Wrong, say many experts. Slack off during November and December and you might just miss one of the best times of the year to find a job.

Company needs for talent do not take vacation

"Oftentimes, year end is the busiest time of the year for companies, not only because they are getting ready for the year-end close but because they are gearing up for a quick start to the new year. It may be a bit more challenging to schedule interviews during the holidays, but that doesn't mean companies aren't hiring."

--Holiday activities often put managers in a more receptive mood. When people are focused on family and fun through the holidays, they often are more open and receptive to conversation -- even from job seekers.

--Holiday events are a natural networking environment. Professional associations often have free holiday events. Job seekers should be sure to take advantage of parties given by associations, chambers and clubs that are of interest.

--Holiday greetings by mail, e-mail and telephone keep you connected. People searching for jobs should harness the spirit of the season to amp up gratitude. Thank former clients, vendors and co-workers. Thank bosses and mentors. Thank everyone who has helped.

So while it may be tempting to take a long winter's nap during the final weeks of the year, smart job seekers should write "looking for work" at the top of their holiday to-do list. They just might ring in the new year with a new job!

Beth Braccio Hering researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder.com. Follow @CBForJobSeekers on Twitter.

TWITTER: job search 101 on Twitter

2010-11-08T12:34:00.000-05:00

TWITTER: job search 101 on Twitter By Selena Dehne, JIST Publishing
You can gain a wealth of advantages when turning to Twitter for help in the job search. You can research companies and organizations, uncover little-known job leads, connect with recruiters and employers and learn up-to-the-minute news about the industries and employers that interest you.
It's important to note, however, that your activities on Twitter won't pay off until you've invested some time learning how to use it best. Those new to the social networking site often complain that Twitter is too overwhelming, time-consuming and intimidating to be a useful tool in their job search.
That's why Chandlee Bryan, co-author of "The Twitter Job Search Guide," has developed a blueprint to help job seekers ease into the Twitter experience.
"It takes some time to gain momentum on Twitter," Bryan explains. "I recommend phasing in to your plan. Doing so, you'll find that your network will grow, your relationships will deepen, your job search will become more productive and you'll just have more fun."
Bryan outlines her four-week blueprint for easing into the Twitterverse:

Week one: Twitter boot camp
Allow yourself time for a learning curve.
Create your account, claim your user name and design your background.
Set goals for your job search: How do you want to use Twitter? As a source of job leads, for company research, to expand your network?
Write your Twitter bio. This should identify what makes you unique and tell readers what you want. You may also want to mention a special achievement or unusual accomplishment.
Write 10 to 12 tweets offline. Then, tweet one or two of them each time you log in.
Follow 15 people you know who won't be judging your account.

Week two: Lurking and cultural immersion
Search for hash tags and industries of interest to you. (Example of a hash tag: #greenjobs)
Actively begin following people you don't know in your field.
Observe posts of others and how they use hash tags.
Subscribe to job feeds.
"A feed is Web content from a source such as Twitter that can be delivered to your cell phone, e-mail or a designated Web page you set up," Bryan says. "You can subscribe to a feed with services like Feedreader.com or Google.com/reader."
"Feeds enable you to actively review new content on a relevant topic without having to search for it on your own; once you've established a feed, the information will be delivered to you automatically. Feeds can help you optimize your time in conducting employer research, monitoring trends in your field and finding job openings.
Subscribe to Twitter lists. "Lists enable you to organize users into groups," Bryan says. "Through lists, you can view tweets from users you don't follow. If you don't want updates from hundreds of users in your stream, creating or subscribing to lists by subject area is a great way to optimize your time on Twitter."

Week three: Full throttle
Ask engaging questions that start conversations.
Retweet others.
Tweet blog posts and other items of interest that align with your brand or career goals (save space by shortening URLs in your links).
Don't forget the 75/25 rule: Approximately 75 percent of content should be professional and 25 percent can be personal.

Week four and beyond: Onward, in 15 minutes a day
Expand your reputation, including creating lists.
Revise retweets to include your own opinion.
Incorporate both online and offline content for tweeting, from attending association meetings and workshops to sharing Google News alerts or blog comments.

Strategies to Edge Out the Competition

2010-11-02T12:51:00.000-04:00

With the jobless rate at an all time high, job seekers will have to come up with aggressive strategies to edge out their competition. That means developing a job search plan that does more than mass distribute resumes across the internet.
There are many options for job seekers who want to get in front of employers, but developing a solid job search plan is a tried and true method that works well for everyone.
What works even better is customizing the job search plan to fit your personality. By that I mean if you're a computer savvy introvert, a personal networking plan probably wouldn't work well for you. A better approach for you would be to work out a strategy that allows you to use e-mail, the internet, and a direct mailing. If you're an extrovert, you might do well with a mix of networking and direct marketing along with hitting up at least fifty of your closest friends to request introductions. Here's what I mean. Take a look at these five highly effective job search strategies:

1. Develop a multifaceted job search plan that includes reaching out to employers through some or all of the following: job boards, resume distribution, groups -news and user, newspapers, journals, business associations, networking, and direct marketing.

2. Carefully select and research your target industry. Get the names, addresses, titles and other pertinent information together and develop a contact list. Look for hiring managers about two steps above you. If you had a job before, identify your company's competitors. Your library will be a great resource to you for much of the information you aren't able to find online.

3. Tailor your resume to the job, the industry, and especially to the employer's needs. If you're applying for a job as an Administrative Assistant, don't use your resume entitled Office Manager. Also, don't use a "one size fits all" type resume as there is no truly effective general resume. Be sure to create a resume that is rich with keywords that are relevant to the job. Reach even more hiring managers with a web portfolio.

4. Follow up with a telephone call a couple of days after you've sent out resumes and cover letters. Don't be afraid to ask for the interview! Have a thirty second pitch ready before you make your calls.

5. Create a weekly activity log to document how you've done so far. Note the hiring managers you've talked with and the managers you still need to reach. Modify your search as necessary to maximize efforts and effects. Remember, your plan should include challenging expectations and time lines. If you're out of work, plan on spending the vast majority of your week searching for a job. Right now, your search for employment is your full time job.

How to Apply Online and Get an Employer's Attention

2010-11-02T12:28:00.000-04:00

You've found an ad for an entry-level position at XYZ Inc. With your skills and qualifications, you fit the bill perfectly. But XYZ requires an online application—and that means (you think), you fill out a cookie-cutter application that distills your skills so that it appears you're one-of-a-million applicants, not one-in-a-million. And then—when you click "send"—your application swirls away into the black hole of electronic waste.
Should you or shouldn't you use an online application? And if you do submit your resume online, how can you get it the attention it deserves?

If You Want the Job…Follow Directions
Online applications won't go away, employers say. An increasing number of employers want candidates to find job openings on company web sites or Internet job boards; they require online applications; they prefer to communicate with potential hires via e-mail.
Hiring with the aid of technology is a time- and money-saving proposition for businesses. It has maximized efficiency in the candidate selection process.
Employers say they can advertise to a wider, more diverse candidate pool (which means you've got more competition than ever before!), find matches for hard-to-fill positions, easily share resumes of qualified candidates with hiring managers, streamline the hiring process, and tighten the timeline between the need for a new employee and the date the employee starts on the job.
Employers say that using the company's own online application system is the fastest way to get your resume into the right hands. Your focus should be on making your application unique; to avoid its being swallowed up in the technology abyss.
Typically, applications submitted online go directly into the employer's applicant data base. Paper resumes are scanned or keyed into the data base (where a scanner or data processor may add errors to your resume).
A hiring manager who needs to fill a position enters keywords to search the data base and find the applications of the people who are the best fit for the job. Those results become the candidate pool.

Making a Big Splash in the Candidate Pool
What does it take to have your bits and bytes bob to the surface in a candidate search?
A recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (JobWeb's/Job Choices' publisher) asked employers for their advice on how to make an electronic application outstanding. Here's what they recommend:
Follow directions. Be careful to enter the correct data in the correct field.
Ask for advice on completing the application from a company recruiter or an alumnus who may work at the company.

Tailor your application information to the position.

Don't copy and paste text from your generic resume.

Use key words, buzz words, and industry verbiage.

Use the verbiage in the job ad as your model. Employers search on key words when they're looking for people to fill specific positions.

Create a skills-inventory section even if the application doesn't require it. You might put this in a comments section.

Include numbers and statistics if they are available. (Example: Counted five cash drawers daily; responsible for more than $10,000 per 8-hour shift.)

Complete all fields—even those that aren't required.

If the company offers an optional assessment test online, take it. (One employer recently admitted that students who don't take the optional assessment test are automatically screened out.)

Make sure your resume can hold its own in a very simple format. Fancy bullets, text, italics, and bold do not convert well in an electronic application.
If possible, spell check and grammar check your application before submitting it. Have an error-free application because this application serves as the employer's first impression of you.

Include a strong objective. Ask a career counselor to help you word your objective.
Another use for the comment section: use it to demonstrate that you've done research on the company and the industry.

Use quotes from letters of recommendation in your resume or cover letter.
Followup your electronic application with a personal e-mail to the recruiter. A follow-up phone call is acceptable if the ad does not say, "No phone calls."

As more and more companies tap technology to find new employees quickly and efficiently, you'll need to find new methods to draw attention to your application.

BIG EAST VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR

2010-10-28T09:11:00.000-04:00

BIG EAST VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR

http://www.bigeastcareerfair.com/

WHEN:

November 10, 2010 10-5 EST *On demand until Nov 19th

WHERE:

Anywhere with internet access !!

*On demand means recruiters may or may not be online, however you can still visit employer booths, view/apply for jobs, submit resume, and send recruiters messages

"Welcome to the future of career fairs. You will have the opportunity to meet and interact with dozens of industry leading employers, but without ever having to leave home. Visit employers booths, view/apply for jobs, watch employer videos, chat with recruiters, submit your resume, and perhaps even secure a live video interview. Register today to secure your place in this groundbreaking event. "

10/21/2010 FORT LAUDERDALE JOB FAIR

2010-10-18T14:45:00.000-04:00

Thursday's Fort Lauderdale job fair @ Signature Grand in Davie adds Amtrak, Norwegian Cruise. FedEx and Home Depot: http://bit.ly/8Zd1K8

The Job News Fort Lauderdale Job Fair on Thursday, Oct. 21, has added Amtrak, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Home Depot, Federal Express to its employer lineup.The job fair starts at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Signature Grand in Davie. My advice is to get there early: The last time there was a big job fair at the Signature Grand the line was around the block. Also, this job fair only lasts until 2 p.m.It's recommended to pre-register online at http://www.jobnewsftlauderdale.com/

Forty companies are expected to participate in the job fair. See the entire list of employers on the link on the above website.

OCTOBER: JOB FAIRS THIS MONTH!

2010-10-18T12:51:00.000-04:00

Its not TOO LATE to FALL into your job this October!

10/19/10
Hire Commitment 2010 - ChicagoSponsored by EmploymentGuide.com, United Road, Alternative Staffing Inc and the American Red Cross
Tinley Park, IL
10/19/10
Hire Commitment 2010-Charlotte
Charlotte, NC
10/19/10
Tampa October Job Fair
Tampa, FL
10/20/10
Diversity Career Fair- RichmondFREE Diversity Job Fair
Midlothian, VA
10/20/10
Hire Commitment 2010 - Memphis
Memphis, TN
10/26/10
Pittsburgh Diversity Employment
Pittsburgh, PA

Companies Hiring for the Holidays

2010-10-14T13:37:00.000-04:00

Companies Hiring for the Holidays
Who's looking for seasonal workers

By Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder Writer

www.careerbuilder.com

Each year retail stores seem to put up holiday decorations earlier than the year before. One moment students are grabbing notebooks and glue bottles from the back-to-school displays, and the next an oversized inflatable turkey is advertising Thanksgiving decor.
Although you might think that the store decorations and displays don't give you time to catch your breath between the summer and holiday season, don't forget that more action is going on behind the scenes. In November and December, shoppers spend money. Whether they're buying clothes or electronics or opening a new savings account because of a bank promotion, they have money and want to use it. To handle all of the extra traffic, companies hire new workers. And if you've ever looked for a job, you know the process takes a few weeks. You don't often apply for a job and get hired the same day. That's why companies begin their search for holiday workers in advance.
In other words, if you're thinking that a seasonal job sounds good for you, you should start looking right now. Whether you want some extra spending money or you'd like to get your foot in the door at a company, a seasonal job might be the right fit for you.

To help you find the jobs hiring seasonal employees right now, we've put together the following list:
20/20 CompaniesIndustry: Direct SalesNumber of openings: 75Sample job titles: Retail sales representative, inside sales representative Location: Nationwide
A Wireless Industry: Telecommunications (retail) Number of openings: 200Sample job titles: Sales representative, store managerLocation: Nationwide
AmbiusIndustry: Office, office servicesNumber of openings: 150Sample job titles: Holiday designer, holiday decorator, holiday helpLocation: Nationwide
American Home Mortgage Servicing, Inc.Industry: Mortgage banking, real estate, finance, ITNumber of openings: 100Sample job titles: Financial analyst, valuations analyst, loan consultant II, senior analyst, applications developmentLocation: Coppell, Texas and Jacksonville.
AutoNationIndustry: Automotive retailNumber of openings: 100Sample job titles: Sales, automotive technicianLocation: Nationwide
Central PaymentIndustry: Merchant services / financeNumber of openings: 200Sample job titles: Outside salesLocation: Nationwide
Citi TrendsIndustry: RetailNumber of openings: 400Sample job titles: Store sales associate, store manager, distribution center processing (seasonal), distribution center material handler, assistant managersLocation: Nationwide
Dendreon CorporationIndustry: BiotechnologyNumber of openings: 700Sample job titles: Cell processing associate, materials associate, QA and QC associate, human resources, facilities, engineering, IT support and compliance, government affairs, validation, clinical affairs, medical affairs, APH network, product development, marketingLocation: Atlanta, Seattle, Seal Beach, California, Morris Plains, New Jersey
F5 NetworksIndustry: Network/computer productsNumber of openings: 115Sample job titles: senior software engineer, test engineer, field systems engineer, major account manager, territory account managerLocation: Nationwide (including Seattle and San Jose)
Fred's Inc.Industry: RetailNumber of openings: 400Sample job titles: Retail store manager, assistant manager, shift managerLocation: Memphis and the southeast
Global Experience Specialist (GES)Industry: Convention servicesNumber of openings: 2,000Sample job titles: Sale coordinator, account managers, exhibit services associateLocation: Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York, Chicago, Dallas
H&MIndustry: Fashion retailNumber of openings: 1,000Sample job titles: Full- and part-time sales advisors, department managers, visual merchandisersLocation: New York, Washington D.C., Boston, Los Angeles, Las Vegas
Hewlett PackardIndustry: TechnologyNumber of openings: 5,000Sample job titles: Sales specialist, sales manager, application management services, .NET/SQL developers and architect, applications developers/programmers/managers, systems engineer, systems/solutions architect, technology consultant, business analystLocation: Nationwide
Kitchen Collection/Le Gourmet ChefIndustry: RetailNumber of openings: 1,000Sample job titles: Store manager, assistant store manager, retail team memberLocation: Nationwide
MarketStarIndustry: Sales and marketing outsourcingNumber of openings: 1,000Sample job titles: Part-time retail sales representativeLocation: Nationwide
Maxim HealthcareIndustry: Health careSpecific Number of openings: 100Sample job titles: Nurse, physical therapist, recruiterLocation: Nationwide
Furniture Row: Denver Mattress, Sofa Mart and Oak ExpressIndustry: Retail furnitureNumber of openings: 100Sample job titles: Sales manager traineeLocation: Nationwide
Red Ventures Industry: Online marketing and salesNumber of openings: 300Sample job titles: Analyst, Web developer, sales consultantLocation: Charlotte and Miami
Ross StoresIndustry: RetailNumber of openings: 1,000Sample job titles: District manager, store manager, assistant store manager, store protection specialist, retail associateLocation: Nationwide (including California, Nevada, Washington, Montana, Florida, Texas, Hawaii)
RyderIndustry: Transportation and logisticsNumber of openings: 100Sample job titles: Driver, technician, rental service managerLocation: Nationwide
Sonic AutomotiveIndustry: Automotive retailNumber of openings: 100Sample job titles: Sales, automotive technicianLocation: Nationwide
Toys "R" UsIndustry: Retail Number of openings: 45,000 Sample job titles: Manager, sales associate, distribution center worker, stocker Location: Nationwide
Wells FargoIndustry: FinancialNumber of openings: 10,000Sample job titles: Teller, personal banker, phone banker, loan servicing specialist, customer service specialist, home mortgage consultant Location: Nationwide

Financial Aid: REPAYMENT

2010-09-30T16:37:00.000-04:00

For those student borrowers who are wondering what repayment options are available for you when you go into repayment, I thought it would be a good idea to share this information. Please see financial aid for more information.

Consolidation loans:
Combines multiple loans into one monthly payment
Monthly payments may be lower
Repayment up to a maximum period of 30 years
You pay back more in interest since the payments are lower and stretched out over a longer term
The interest rate for a Direct Consolidation Loan is the weighted average of the interest
rates on the loans being consolidated (as of the date they receive the application),
rounded to the nearest higher one-eighth of one percent. This rate is fixed for the life of
the loan and cannot exceed 8.25 percent.
Apply online at: www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov
For assistance call the DL consolidation department: 1-800-557-7392
Loan Consolidation Calculator - www.dl.ed.gov

The Standard Plan:
The choice of most student loan borrowers
You have a fixed monthly payment of at least $50 over a period of up to 10 years.
Least expensive option in terms of total interest costs
If your monthly payments under this option exceed 8% to 10% of your monthly income, consider one of the other flexible repayment options.

The Graduated Plan:
Monthly payments start low and increase gradually over 10 years until the loan is paid in full.
A good choice if you have a limited income but expect higher earnings in the future.
Total interest costs are higher under this plan than with the standard plan.
If you are just starting your career, this plan helps you afford the things you need now and pay more as your income grows

The Income-Sensitive Plan:
You have the option to request a specific monthly payment amount
The payment must be at least equal to the monthly interest due on your loans or 1% of your gross monthly income whichever is greater
This plan is designated for a 12 month period and must be renewed on an annual basis
Repayment can be extended from 10 years to 15 years under special forbearance provisions
Total interest costs are higher than with a standard plan.

The Extended Repayment Plan:
This is only available if your outstanding loan debt balance is over $30,000
You may reduce the amount of your monthly payment by spreading payments over 25 years.
Because payments are stretched out over a longer term, total interest costs will be
significantly higher than under the other repayment plans.

The Income-Based Plan:
The newest plan as of July 1, 2009, the required monthly payment is capped at an amount that is intended to be affordable based on income and family size.
You are eligible if the monthly repayment amount under IBR is less than the monthly payment amount calculated under the 10 year standard plan
Your payments may be less than the accruing interest so you may qualify to pay back your loans over a period of up to 25 years.
You may qualify for forgiveness for any remaining amount you owe after 25 years of payment.
There is a calculator on the website to see if you qualify go to: www.ibr.com

Submitted by:
Maria Vivier
Default prevention Manager

Companies hiring this fall

2010-09-02T09:29:00.000-04:00

As the economic recovery continues to march on, the best anyone can do is look for positive signs around them.
Direct your eyes to the hiring activity of businesses around you. For a period of time a "Now Hiring" sign was a rare sight. Today, with some confidence and consumer demand, companies are hiring again. They need skilled workers who can boost business and help it grow.
With that in mind, here is a list of companies hiring this very moment.
These employers in a variety of industries across the country are looking for good workers right now.
Here are the companies hiring in September:
Aflac
Industry: Sales
Number of openings: 500
Sample job titles: Sales associates
Location: Nationwide

Allied Cash Advance
Industry: Credit union, finance, banking
Number of openings: 78
Sample job titles: Brand manager, district manager, customer service representative, branch team members, branch assistant manager
Location: California, Colorado, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, New Mexico, Texas, Virginia, Florida

Alpine Access
Industry: Customer service
Number of openings: 1,000
Sample job titles: Customer service
Location: Nationwide and work-from-home

Asbury Auto
Industry: Sales, automotive, mechanic
Number of openings: 100
Sample job titles: New car sales, used car sales, service advisor, auto tech
Location: Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, New Jersey, Mississippi, Texas, Missouri, California, Arkansas

Blackboard Inc.
Industry: Computer Software
Number of openings: 95Sample job titles: Software engineer, regional sales manager, sales specialist, technical consultant, complex hosting manager, software developer
Location: Washington, D.C., Phoenix, Indianapolis

City National Bank
Industry: Banking, financial services
Number of openings: 141
Sample job titles: Financial sales advisors, relationship managers, residential lending officers, senior mortgage loan underwriters, operations supervisors, policy and procedures supervisors
Location: California, New York

Edward Jones
Industry: Financial investments
Number of openings: 400
Sample job titles: Financial advisors, branch office administrators
Location: Nationwide

F5 Networks
Industry: Network, computer products
Number of openings: 115
Sample job titles: Senior software engineer, test engineer, field systems engineer, major account manager, territory account manager
Location: Nationwide

Glendale Adventist Medical Center
Industry: Health care
Number of openings: 55Sample job titles: Business analyst, certified nursing assistant, charge nurse, director of perinatal services, LVN, monitor tech, occupational therapist, physical therapist, physical therapy aide, registered dietitian, registered nurses
Location: Glendale, Calif.

Humana Inc.
Industry: Health insurance
Number of openings: 400
Sample job titles: Registered nurses, case managers, pharmacists, pharmacy tech, salesLocation: Louisville, Ohio, Texas, Wisconsin, Florida, Arizona

Infor Global Solutions
Industry: Software/hardware solutions
Number of openings: 67
Sample job titles: Senior software engineer, business development, product manager, license manager, director of product management
Location: Colorado Springs, Tampa, Atlanta, Rancho Cordova, California, Ann Arbor, Salt Lake City, Chicago, Malvern, Pennsylvania, Greenville, S.C.

JBFCS
Industry: Health care, social services
Number of openings: 100
Sample job titles: Social workers, milieu counselors, registered nurses
Location: New York

The Mergis Group
Industry: Accounting and finance, engineering, sales
Number of openings: 500
Sample job titles: Lead engineer, tax manager, mortgage professionals, quality engineer, CFO, controller, business development manager
Location: Nationwide

Ozark National Life
Industry: Insurance, sales
Number of openings: 100
Sample job titles: Licensed insurance agent
Location: Missouri, Illinois, Florida, Nebraska, Iowa

Paycom
Industry: Internet services
Number of openings: 50
Sample job titles: Outside sales representatives
Location: Houston, Austin, Ft. Worth, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, St. Louis, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Irvine, Denver, Chicago, Atlanta, Charlotte, Tampa

Securitas Security Services USA Inc.
Industry: Security guard
Number of openings: 300
Sample job titles: Security officer, supervisor, EMT
Location: Nationwide

UPS
Industry: Sales, warehouse and transportation
Number of openings: 500
Sample job titles: Package handler, driver, accounting, inside sales, mechanic, outside sales
Location: 50 US States

taken from www.careerbuilder.com

12 Ways to Get Fired for Facebook

2010-09-01T10:49:00.000-04:00

12 Ways to Get Fired for Facebook
By Kaitlin Madden, CareerBuilder.com Writer

According to a 2009 study by Internet security firm Proofpoint, 8 percent of companies with more than 1,000 employees have fired someone for social media actions -- a figure that is double what was reported in 2008. Yet it probably comes as no surprise that Facebook firings are on the rise. Cases of employers firing employees for social media slip-ups have been consistent in the news over the past few years.

Just in case you need a refresher of what not to say online, here's a timeline of 12 ridiculous examples of how Facebook can get you fired.

1. Nov. 4, 2008: New England Patriots cheerleader Caitlin Davis was cut from the squad over controversial pictures that were posted on her Facebook page. Davis, then 18, was at a Halloween party when she posed for photos with a passed-out man who was covered in graffiti, including swastikas, anti-Semitic remarks and profanity. Davis was fired from the squad after the pictures appeared on various websites and caught the attention of the Patriot's management team. She had been the youngest cheerleader ever to make an NFL squad.

2. Feb. 26, 2009: A U.K. teenager was fired for calling her job "boring." According to The Daily Mail, Kimberley Swann posted comments such as, "First day at work. Omg (oh my god)!! So dull!!" and "All I do is shred holepunch and scan paper!!!" [sic]. Swann was canned after her boss discovered the comments.

3. March 9, 2009: Dan Leone, a stadium operations employee for the Philadelphia Eagles, was fired for voicing his opinion on the team's trading practices via Facebook. Leone reportedly updated his Facebook status with, "Dan is [expletive] devastated about Dawkins signing with Denver ... Dam Eagles R Retarted!!" [sic].

4. April 27, 2009: A Swiss woman was fired after calling in sick and then logging into Facebook

on her "sick day." Apparently the women had a migraine and called out of work because she thought the light from a computer would bother her and she needed to lie in a dark room. When her employer caught her surfing Facebook, it was presumed that she was indeed well enough to sit in front of a computer, and she was let go.

5. April 28, 2009: A Minnesota nursing home employee was fired after rumors spread that she had posted photos of herself with nude patients on her Facebook page. Though no nude pictures were found, the employee did have pictures of herself with clothed patients, which violated the home's privacy policy and led to her termination.

6. August 27, 2009: Ashley Payne, a Georgia high school teacher, was forced to resign after the local school board came across pictures of her sipping beer and wine. The pictures, which appeared on Payne's Facebook page, were from a vacation she had taken that summer, which included a trip to the Guinness Brewery in Ireland. Payne was quoted as saying "I did not think that any of this could jeopardize my job because I was just doing what adults do and have drinks on vacation and being responsible about it." She sued the school district last November. The case is expected to go to trial this fall.

7. Feb. 11, 2010: South Carolina firefighter and paramedic Jason Brown was fired for creating a three-minute-long animated video and posting it on Facebook. The video, which showed a cartoon doctor and paramedic responding to an emergency in a hospital, was meant to be a spoof, Brown said. However, his department didn't find the video funny, calling it "an embarrassment," and Brown was fired.

8. March 3, 2010: Gloria Gadsden, a professor at East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania, was fired after updating her Facebook status with things such as, "Does anyone know where I can find a very discrete hitman? Yes, it's been that kind of day." [sic] The school said it was being overcautious because of the Feb. 12 shootings at the University of Alabama, in which professor Amy Bishop was charged with killing three fellow professors.

9. May 17, 2010: North Carolina waitress Ashley Johnson was fired from her job at a Brixx pizzeria after posting a negative comment about two of her customers. Johnson called the customers -- who left her a $5 tip after sitting at their table for three hours -- "cheap." Though she did not mention the names of the customers, Johnson did include the name of the pizzeria in her post. A few days later, management called her to tell her she was fired for violating the restaurant's social media policy.

10. May 24, 2010: The city of West Allis, Wis. fired a veteran police dispatcher of 21 years over a status update. Dana Kuchler was terminated after posting that she was "addicted to vicodin, adderall, quality marijuana, MD 20/20 grape and absinthe," on her Facebook page. Despite saying the post was a joke, Kuchler was terminated by the city. Her union then filed an appeal, claiming the punishment was too harsh for the crime. The arbitrator agreed, instead sentencing Kuchler to a 30-day suspension without pay. The city is currently in the process of appealing the new decision in an attempt to have Kuchler's termination reinstated.

11. June 10, 2010: Five California nurses were terminated after it was discovered that they were discussing patient cases on the site. The situation was investigated for weeks by both the nurses' employer, Tri City Medical Center in San Diego, and the California Department of Health before the nurses were fired for allegedly violating privacy laws.

12. June 21, 2010: A Pittsburgh Pirates' mascot was fired earlier this summer, after posting a comment about the team's choice to extend the contracts of two of its managers. Andrew Kurtz, 24, was fired within hours of posting the comment "Coonelly extended the contracts of Russell and Huntington through the 2011 season. That means a 19-straight losing streak. Way to go Pirates," to his Facebook page.

Whether you think the above are examples of employees exercising free speech or simple stupidity, it seems as if Facebook postings are fair grounds for termination at many employers. With that in mind, post at your own risk.

JOB FAIRS AROUND THE USA THIS AUGUST

2010-08-19T10:24:00.000-04:00

I believe that job fairs allow the job seeker to make the greatest impact by meeting hiring employers face to face as opposed to submitted your resume blindly through email or fax.

Where to find job fairs in your area? Some examples are:
· Local Newspapers in print and online
· Online Career sites
· Local Radio

TIP: get a calendar to organize fair dates. And bookmark online the websites that list such events

What are some of the sites I can find job fair info?

www.careerbuilder.com
www.monster.com
www.jobing.com
www.employmentguide.com

8/24/10
Hire Commitment 2010 - GreensboroThe Greensboro Job Fair brings together the best hiring companies and employment resources to help the community further their career development.
Greensboro, NC
8/24/10
Summer Job Fair in Sacramento
Sacramento, CA
8/24/10
Tampa Career Fair In Partnership with AARP
Tampa, FL
8/25/10
Detroit Career Fair in Partnership with AARP
Southfield, MI
8/25/10
St. Louis Job & Education Fair
Sunset Hills, MO
8/31/10
Metro DC Diversity Job FairThe Washington D.C. Job Fair on August 31st at FedEx Field will host over 30 companies and resources to help you find a job or career!
Landover, MD

MOTIVATE! Build Up Your Job Search Motivation

2010-08-09T09:04:00.000-04:00

By Beth Braccio Hering, CareerBuilder Writer

www.careerbuilder.com

"Rejections are not unlike breakups," says Marian Schembari of NYC "I remember one time I was rejected from the perfect job and spent the day in bed like a love-struck teenager eating ice cream and watching movies. Maybe not the most productive way to spend my time, but it definitely made me feel better!"
Anyone who has ever suffered through long-term unemployment can identify with Schembari's scenario, and such comforting may be just what is needed before sending out another application. But what happens when your desire to persevere needs an extra boost?
Before reaching for another scoop of Ben & Jerry's, check out these motivational tips from experts and fellow job seekers.

Start your day with structure
"Get up every morning at your usual time and dress as if you're going to work -- because you are going to work, except now your work is finding a new job," says Richard S. Deems, co-author of "Make Job Loss Work for You."
While it may be tempting to sleep in or lounge around in pajamas, getting your day moving can provide a psychological boost. "I think that keeping a schedule has helped me," says Cherie C. of Denver, who has been unemployed for nearly a year. "I wake up with my partner as he prepares for work, shower, dress and tackle the job search."

Use your computer -- and then get away from it
Chances are you've used a computer to scout job postings, but have you explored the full potential of technology?
Erica Myers of London spent seven months without a steady job. During this time, she learned new ways to connect to others and get an edge in the application process. Her tips to rev up job-search motivation by rethinking computer time include:
-Use social networking sites and Google searches to find a person to contact directly instead of sending a blind résumé.
-Build an online portfolio or a free website. (It not only looks great and tech-savvy, but it secretly gets you organized.)
-Read the websites of companies that interest you.
-Use connections and build on social media by looking through friends lists for useful contacts, searching through Twitter keywords and adding people on LinkedIn.
-Designate certain periods of the day as computer time -- then resist the urge to constantly check e-mail or see if one new position got posted. Too much screen time can zap energy. Instead, find other productive ways to pass the time.
"Do as much face-to-face networking as possible," Deems says. "Even if you've talked with your network two weeks ago, contact them again." He also is a fan of hand-delivering applications, noting that the return rate for mail-ins is about 3 to 5 percent.
While some job seekers may feel guilty about spending free time doing anything besides looking for employment, exploring interests can be rejuvenating -- and potentially rewarding -- during a trying time.
"If someone is job hunting without getting the response they want, volunteering at a local hospital or for a nonprofit organization where they will meet new people who can extend their networking reach is a great game plan," says Debra Yergen, author of "Creating Job Security Resource Guide." "Not only will they keep their skills sharp, they'll also have an opportunity to make a larger networking base aware of their availability."

Give yourself a break
The familiar advice of persistence paying off holds true for finding a job. After all, you can't land a position if you don't even apply. Yet, while dedication will pay off in the long term, sometimes it helps to step away for a bit.
"On days when I lack motivation and don't want to send a résumé, I really try to push myself to keep working, but sometimes I've found it's best to wait a day," Cherie C. notes. "Sending a résumé while in a sad or defeated mood could lead to typos or other errors that could cost me consideration for the job. I take a short break and try to refresh myself."
It is easy to feel frustrated when your inbox is filled with rejections or (worse yet) you aren't even acknowledged after pouring your heart into landing a seemingly perfect position. Job seekers are often hard on themselves when faced with such disappointments, but it pays to remember that setbacks are only a bump on a long career path that will have ups and downs. Take a look at your résumé to remind yourself of what you have accomplished, and when you're feeling better about your capabilities, get back to sending it out. Someone out there is waiting to read it.

Listing Hobbies & Interests on Your Résumé -– Should You Or Shouldn’t You?

2010-08-03T09:13:00.000-04:00

While hobbies and interests provide more information and insight to your job seeker profile, here are some reasons why they should not be included on your résumé.

Laura Allen, a resume writer says, " I frequently come across résumés that include a section for “hobbies and interests” or something similar. Many people think it’s necessary to include something like this. However I can assure you that it’s probably best to avoid doing so. There is a limited amount of space for content on your résumé and just a small amount of time for the reader to look over your information. That being said, you should use it strictly to highlight your professional qualifications and achievements, not your personal hobbies and interests.
Hiring managers are looking to see how you can specifically help them and their companies, not whether you enjoy skiing or bike riding. This sort of information is often times seen as “fluff” – in other words, irrelevant information that is used solely to take up space on a résumé to make it seem longer. If you’re concerned about your résumé looking too short, there are lots of ways to increase the content without having to lists your hobbies and interests. Think about substituting them for something more work-related, like a section for your professional qualifications or computer-related skills. Or maybe try adding some achievements onto your professional experience section.
While I feel I make a strong point against listing these on your résumé, people are always going to be adamant about using them. So, if you absolutely must include your hobbies and interests, try to at least make them pertain to the job you are applying for. Do any of your hobbies involve using your leadership skills, for example? Do they show a pattern of long-term commitment? The most important thing to remember is to keep the content on your résumé professionally relevant."

6 Steps to Sustain Energy and Enthusiasm During Your Job Search

2010-07-27T12:49:00.000-04:00

6 Steps to Sustain Energy and Enthusiasm During Your Job Search
By Selena Dehne, JIST Publishing

Ideally, everyone would view the job search as an exciting and invigorating opportunity. In reality, the process can be stressful, exhausting and emotionally draining, particularly when coping with rejection, financial hardships or uncertainty about the future.

It's important to realize that job searching doesn't have to be a negative experience. Richard Deems and Terri Deems, co-authors of "Make Job Loss Work for You," say people can take several small steps toward a faster, more rewarding job search.

"Candidates who are out on the streets talking and meeting with people are those who maintain their energy and confidence," they explain. "On the other hand, those who sit back at home and merely mail out their résumés are often those who get discouraged. The feedback they get during the job search comes from receiving either no response or some form of a rejection letter. With each rejection letter, the body cringes and shrivels a little bit more."

Here are some tips:
1. Set up some kind of "office" where you can direct your job search
Make this a place where you can take calls, handle correspondence and keep track of your research and other information. A separate room (such as a spare bedroom) works best, but even a corner in the basement can help.
You will need a desk, chair, phone, computer, Internet access, space to file materials and information, and space to work. It doesn't have to be fancy, but it does need to be comfortable and provide you with the privacy needed to direct your plan for action. When you are in this space, you are "at work."

2. Maintain your normal schedule. Don't sleep late. Get dressed each morning just as if you were going to be out talking to people -- because you probably will. One successful person with whom we worked sat down at his "office" every morning at 7:30, coffee in hand, and read the local and national newspapers, just as he had for 10 years prior. His reaction: "It really helped!"

3. Participate in some kind of physical fitness program. Some people jog, walk, play golf, lift weights, dance or do other forms of exercise. The important thing is that you're doing something. Remember, exercise helps relieve stress and anxiety and enables you to think more clearly. Exercise also releases body chemicals that help keep depression away. If you're a bit overweight, the extra exercise can help reduce the pounds and simply help you feel better about yourself.

4.Watch your diet and eat right. Eat balanced, reasonably sized meals. Excessive coffee can increase tension and appetite. Excessive alcohol can dull your thinking ability (plus add weight). Excessive sweets and sugars can increase tension and irritability.
View your activity as fulfilling your "job requirements." Except now your job is to find a new position in another company as quickly as possible.

5.Set weekly and daily goals in terms of contacts to make and research to conduct. Keep a record of your activity. People who devote four to eight hours to their job search per day get new jobs faster than those who devote only a few hours each week. Take time on Mondays to set up these goals, and time on Friday to review your progress.

6.Maintain your physical appearance. First impressions are important, and you will want to look good. For some, this may mean buying a new interviewing wardrobe. An investment in an interviewing wardrobe can often have a tremendous payback in terms of higher salary in the next position. If finances are a major concern, look for the recycled-clothing shops or job search "closets" that exist in many cities.

*Excerpted from "Make Job Loss Work for You," by Richard Deems, Ph.D., and Terri Deems, Ph.D.

2010-07-22T14:49:00.000-04:00

FORT LAUDERDALE

JOB FAIR

AUGUST 2, 2010

Attend a Career Fair and Meet Face to Face with over 30 local hiring managers.

Register now and get access to the company list. Click here to Register

Applying online to jobs can get frustrating

meeting face-to-face is your chance

to stand out from the crowd!

Career experts onsite will provide FREE Resume Reviews!

Date:
Monday, August 2

Location:
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Airport1870 Griffin RoadDania Beach, FL 33004
Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Free to attend!

Over 200 positions will be available at this event!

For a list of attending companies, click the link below and fill out the brief registration form:
Click Here to Register – Free to Attend

Bring at least 25 resumes to the event!

New Career Center Features!!!

2010-07-21T12:17:00.000-04:00

KU Career Center Job Alert

Current job count on CCN's national job board: 75,125!

Summer's in full swing. If you're job searching, employers are hiring! Find out who might be interested in offering you a job, just log in to our Career Center!

Need to know how to access the career center?
Contact the Department of Student Services at 866-534-7371

With over 2 million jobs already posted to date, employers are searching for job seekers just like you!
=======================
Job Seekers: CHECK THIS OUT!

Announcing Resume Builder: The EASIEST way to build your first Resume is now available FREE to you!
Your Resume is that all-important, must-have ticket in any job search.

Be even more professional and get ahead of other job seekers. How? Submit your cover letter and digital career portfolio with your Resume online.

=======================
Additional Information

Don't forget, the career center also offers the following services -
FREE!
-Career Advice Documents
-Career-Related Videos

Here's to your success!

Job Fairs found over the next month!

2010-07-19T14:18:00.000-04:00

7/20/10
Diversity Job FairDiversity Job Fair in Crystal City
Arlington, VA
7/21/10
Memphis Job Fair Meet with top companies at the Agricenter Expo Center in Memphis for Job and Career Education opportunities!
Memphis , TN
7/27/10
Baltimore Career Fair
Baltimore , MD
8/03/10
Career Fair in Partnership with AARPCareer Fair in Partnership with AARP
Atlanta, GA
8/04/10
Free Diversity Community Job Fair, Blood Drive and Food Drive
Houston, TX
8/10/10
Charlotte Career Fair in Partnership with AARP
Charlotte, NC
8/10/10
Diversity Career FairFREE Diversity Job Fair
Richmond, VA
8/11/10
San Antonio Job Fair
San Antonio, TX
8/17/10
Brooklyn Cyclones Stadium MCU Park Career Fair in Partnership with AARP
Brooklyn, NY
8/17/10
Dallas Job Fair
Arlington, TX
8/24/10
Tampa Career Fair In Partnership with AARP
Tampa, FL

Six Job Hunting Myths Debunked

2010-07-19T11:18:00.000-04:00

Six Job Hunting Myths Debunked
Everyone wants to give job seekers advice, and while much of it is useful, some guidance may miss the mark.
Because the employment market is constantly changing, ideas that once worked well may no longer be effective.
This doesn't mean you have to second-guess everything you hear, but do be aware of common job-hunting myths, like the following:

Myth No. 1:
You should keep your resume to one page; any longer, and hiring mangers won't read it.Few employers are so rigid that they'll toss out your resume because it's more than a page long. What's more important is that the document is interesting to read, tailored specifically to the position you are applying for -- and perhaps most important -- error free. In fact, 84 percent of executives polled by Robert Half International said it takes just one or two typographical errors on a resume to remove a candidate from consideration for a job opening; 47 percent said a single typo can be the deciding factor. While a one-page resume is preferable for entry-level candidates, those with five or more years of experience may require an additional page to describe their work history and accomplishments. Keep in mind, however, you never want to lose a hiring manager's attention by providing irrelevant details.

Myth No. 2:
It's pointless to request an interview with a company that isn't hiring.Even if a company isn't planning to add staff anytime soon, chances are you can land an informational interview. Look to set up a meeting with someone -- preferably a hiring manager -- who can tell you more about the organization and provide answers to questions you can't find online or in the company's marketing materials, such as its short- and long-term business goals. Many employers will be willing to sit down with you if you show genuine interest. An informational interview probably won't result in a job offer, but you will build your professional network and, in the process, may learn of future opportunities with the firm.

Myth No. 3:
If you've applied for a position and haven't heard back, it's safe to assume the position has been filled.Just because a company hasn't contacted you doesn't mean they aren't interested. It's not uncommon for hiring managers to be so busy they delay contacting candidates for as long as two months after posting an employment ad. Don't let this discourage you; instead take action to see where you stand. An overwhelming 94 percent of executives surveyed by Robert Half International said candidates should contact hiring managers after submitting application materials; 82 percent of respondents recommend doing it -- whether by e-mail, a phone call or personalized letter -- within two weeks of submitting a resume.

Myth No. 4:
The most-qualified candidates always get the job.While employers want to hire professionals capable of doing the job -- and carefully compare candidates' education, skills and experience against the requirements of the position -- they also depend on intuition when making a decision. Forty-six percent of executives surveyed by Robert Half International said they rely heavily on instinct when making hiring decisions; another 49 percent follow their gut at least some of the time. The traits that make an employer intuitively want to hire someone often involve soft skills -- that is, your ability to get along with the rest of the team. So, if you're interested in a position for which you meet only the minimum requirements, don't immediately dismiss it. Your personality may put you on par with someone with more experience than you.

Myth No. 5:
There's no room for salary negotiation in today's job market.Demand for skilled professionals continues to outpace supply in a number of specialties, and candidates with industry experience and expertise often receive multiple offers. Researching how much those with similar qualifications in your area are being paid will help you choose the best opportunity and negotiate a reasonable rate. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook is an excellent resource, as are industry publications, such as Robert Half International's annual Salary Guide.

Myth No. 6:
When times are tough, take the first job offer you get.An extended job search can put pressure on you to accept any offer that comes your way, but do your best to avoid accepting a position that may cause more heartache than happiness. Tolerating a job you hate -- whether for a week or year -- can set you back professionally and take a toll on your well-being. You may have to accept a "less-than-perfect" role in certain situations, but don't feel guilty holding out for a position with maximum appeal if you have the financial means to do so.Tapping a variety of sources for advice during your job search often is a smart move. But, like any investigation, you may come across clues that are somewhat misleading.

Recognizing common myths early on will make your job-hunting efforts far more effective and help you land the position you seek.

10 Ways to Improve Your Job Search

2010-07-19T11:12:00.000-04:00

10 Ways to Improve Your Job Search
In this article you will find tips to help with your job search activities and uncover hidden leads.

PLAN AND BE ORGANIZED
Planning and organizational skills are keys to a successful job search. Make sure the plan is flexible and reasonable for you to follow. The goal is to maximize the use of your time to uncover leads that will generate interviews and ultimately, job offers.

REVIEW YOUR PACKAGE, AGAIN
Before sending out any more résumés and cover letters, review them one last time. Do they communicate the message you had hoped? If you were a recruiter, does this package stand out from others? It may be time to ask for help. If professional help is not in your budget, consider asking a few close friends who have been successful jobseekers in the past to help you review your résumé and cover letter.

NETWORK TO UNCOVER LEADS
Many people find jobs through personal contacts. You need to expand personal contacts by networking with others. Prepare a 60-second “pitch” about what you are looking for and what you have to offer. Most people forget the latter part, which diminishes the power of networking. Remember to reciprocate and help others during the process.

BROADEN YOUR SEARCH
One easy way to expand your search is to start with your current profession, then consider its collaborators, competitors, customers, and suppliers. This step will provide you with more industries to research.

RESEARCH YOUR TARGET MARKETS
Once you defined these markets, study all you can. Utilize local resources, such as newspapers, libraries, colleges/universities, and the Internet. Use your contacts to learn inside information that might uncover additional leads or provide an added edge to obtain interviews.

DIVERSIFY YOUR TIME
Don’t spend all your time on just one activity, unless it is generating the leads and job interviews you desire. Vary your activities with different tasks, such as cold calling, reading newspapers, networking with people, researching industries, or other job search related activities.

POST YOUR RÉSUMÉ TO 3 SITES
There are over 30,000 job boards; most of them are not worth your time. Post your résumé on 3 sites. We recommend Jobing.com, Monster.com, and HotJobs.com. The first one is the Number One Arizona-based job board. Monster and HotJobs contains the largest nationwide job openings. You can also visit other job sites to uncover potential leads.

UPDATE YOUR PROFILE FREQUENTLY
This is one of the most effective methods to attract recruiters’ attention and it only takes a few minutes. Every other day, visit the sites you have posted your résumé and update your profile. Once done, your résumé is stamped with the current date. Most recruiters search the database by the date, assuming the candidates with older profiles are either employed or unemployable. They want to consider the most current candidates to the job market.

DON’T FORGET TO FOLLOW-UP
If you have networked properly, you will have met many people. Follow-up with them so you can exchange additional job market information. Be sure you are genuinely helpful, or your network will dry up. If you have promised them information, be sure they receive it.

BE CREATIVE
Don’t be concerned about your “fit” in a particular industry. Focus on your transferable skills and you will discover new industries that could benefit from your abilities. Once you have identified new industries, go back to the

BROADEN YOUR SEARCH section.
You will have many more leads that might yield interview opportunities.

BONUS SECTION
Did you know?
-9% jobseekers find jobs through advertised openings
-In mass mailing, 2 of 1000 résumés result in offers
-Headhunters work for employers, not for you
-A customized cover letter will increase your chance of a recruiter reading your résumé

We hope you find this article helpful.
The next step is to take action.

You may have the best plan in the world, without action the plan is worthless. Remember, procrastination is a coffin where opportunities lie.

Keep us in mind with your career preparation needs.

JOB FAIRS ACROSS THE US!~ MAY 2010

2010-04-27T11:00:00.001-04:00

5/04/10
Hire Commitment 2010 Job Fair
Marietta, GA
5/04/10
Dallas Spring Job Fair
Arlington, TX
5/04/10
Hire Commitment 2010 - Charlotte
Charlotte, NC
5/04/10
Las Vegas Career Fair In Partnership with AARP
Las Vegas, NV
5/11/10
San Antonio Spring Career Fair
San Antonio, TX
5/11/10
Career Fair in Partnership with AARPFREE Career Fair Event at Nationals Park
Washington, DC
5/12/10
Houston Free Diversity Community Job Fair
Houston, TX
5/13/10
Phoenix Career Fair in Partnership with AARP
Phoenix, AZ
5/18/10
Tampa Bay Area Job Fair
Tampa, FL
5/18/10
Denver Employment Guide Job Fair
Denver, CO
5/18/10
Career Fair in Partnership with AARP
Tacoma, WA
5/19/10
Denver Employment Guide Job Fair
Colorado Springs, CO
5/19/10
Austin Spring Career Fair
Austin, TX
5/25/10
Omaha DIVERSITY WORKS! Job FairFor further information please contact us at 1-877-741-9534.
Omaha, NE

JOB FAIRS ACROSS THE US!~ MARCH2010

2010-03-02T15:03:00.001-05:00

3/02/10
Portland Job Fair - March
Portland, OR
3/03/10
Putting San Antonio Back to Work
San Antonio, TX
3/03/10
Diversity Job FairDiversity Job Fair Event Sponsored by the DC Army National Guard
Washington, DC
3/03/10
Sacramento Job Fair - March
Roseville, CA
3/09/10
Putting Dallas Back to Work
Dallas, TX
3/09/10
Salt Lake City Job Fair - March
West Valley, UT
3/10/10
Diversity Job FairFREE Diversity Job Fair
Richmond, VA
3/10/10
LINCOLN WORKS! job fairLincoln Job Fair
Lincoln, NE
3/15/10
Diversity Job Fair in Seattle – SoDo District – Silver Cloud Inn
Seattle, WA
3/16/10
Diversity Job Fair Expo!
Beavercreek, OH
3/22/10
HIRE COMMITMENT 2010
Atlanta, GA
3/23/10
Diversity Job Fair Expo!
Cincinnati, OH
3/23/10
Putting Oklahoma City Back to Work
Oklahoma City, OK
3/23/10
2010 Pittsburgh Diversity Employment and Career Education ExpoPart of the "Hire Commitment" National Job Fair Series!
Pittsburgh, PA
3/24/10
St. Louis Job & Education Fair
Sunset Hills, MO
3/24/10
Indianapolis Job Fair - in Partnership with the AARPIn Partnership with the AARP
Indianapolis, IN
3/24/10
Putting Tulsa Back to Work
Tulsa, OK
3/24/10
Hire Commitment 2010 - Memphis
Memphis, TN
3/26/10
Greater Cleveland's Largest Job Fair at the IX Center
Cleveland, OH
3/30/10
Diversity Job Fair Expo!
Columbus, OH
3/30/10
Putting Kansas City Back to Work
Kansas City, MO
3/31/10
Diversity Job Fair Expo!
Louisville, KY

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: Overlooked Benefits of Credit Cards

2010-02-24T13:45:00.000-05:00

With interest rates rising on credit cards, more and more people are using their debit cards to make purchases. The use of a debit card can be very helpful when tracking your spending. It can also help keep you from over-spending because this type of account is intended to allow charges up to the amount of funds you place in the account.
However, credit cards, when used responsibly, can provide many benefits that you will not receive when using your debit card.

When talking about credit card benefits, most people automatically think “reward programs.” This can certainly be a benefit of using your credit card, but there are other benefits that you should also consider.
Purchase protection is beneficial when shopping online. If you make a purchase and the item you received isn’t what you ordered or it is damaged, you can ask your credit card company to withhold the payment while you work toward a resolution. The charge may be removed from your account during a specified period of time. Debit cards, however, do not offer this protection. The money will remain with the merchant while you dispute the charge, which can often take several weeks to resolve.
Another potential benefit is called warranty protection. If you purchase a big screen TV, for example, check with your credit card company before you make your purchase to see if they offer any type of warranty protection. Many credit card companies will double the manufacturer’s warranty, offering additional protection at no cost to you. You may find you don’t need to purchase an additional warranty from the retailer, which can be a big money saver! Contact your credit card company to determine the steps that should be taken on your part to take advantage of this money saving benefit.
These are just two of the benefits offered by many credit card companies. Check with your company to find out if you are missing out on any benefits that could possibly save you money in the long run! (NSLPS Feb 2010)

Submitted by;

Maria Vivier
Default Prevention Manager

Keiser University

Tips for Dressing for Success!

2010-02-01T14:26:00.001-05:00

Dressing for Success

55% of another person's perception of you is based on how you look.

The first impression you make on a potential employer is the most important one. The first judgment an interviewer makes is going to be based on how you look and what you are wearing. That's why it's always important to dress professionally for a job interview, even if the work environment is casual.

What's the appropriate dress code for an interview? You'll want that first impression to be not just a good one, but, a great one. The candidate dressed in a suit and tie is going to make a much better impression than the candidate dressed in scruffy jeans and a t-shirt.

This Dressing for Success information gives some tips on how to look your best, without necessarily spending a lot of money.

Here's a quick look at the basics:

Women's Interview Attire
Solid color, conservative suit
Coordinated blouse
Moderate shoes
Limited jewelry
Neat, professional hairstyle
Tan or light hosiery
Sparse make-up & perfume
Manicured nails
Portfolio or briefcase

Men's Interview Attire
Solid color, conservative suit
White long sleeve shirt
Conservative tie
Dark socks, professional shoes
Very limited jewelry
Neat, professional hairstyle
Go easy on the aftershave
Neatly trimmed nails
Portfolio or briefcase

NATIONWIDE NETWORKING!!! JOB FAIRS & MORE

2010-01-18T14:38:00.000-05:00

Networking is essential for job development and searching. You never know "who" you may meet. Networking leads to open doors and strong community relationships.
But DON’T FORGET TO FOLLOW-UP!
If you have networked properly, you will have met many people. Follow-up with them so you can exchange additional job market information. Be sure you are genuinely helpful, or your network will dry up. If you have promised them information, be sure they receive it.

1/18/2010
Monday
11am - 2pm
Phoenix Hires Job Fair
FREE
Phoenix Airport Marriott, 1101 North 44th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008
http://phoenix.localhires.com/job-fairs

1/18/2010
Monday
11am - 2pm
Houston Hires Job Fair
FREE
Hilton Houston Hobby Airport, 8181 Airport Blvd., Houston, TX 77061
http://houston.localhires.com/job-fairs

1/19/2010
Tuesday
11am - 2pm
Minneapolis Hires Job Fair
FREE
Holiday Inn & Suites Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, 3 Appletree Square, Bloomington, MN 55425
http://minneapolis.localhires.com/

1/19/2010
Tuesday
11am - 3pm
NYC Hires Job Fair
FREE
Radisson Martinique on Broadway Hotel, 49 West 32nd Street, New York NY 10001
http://nyc.localhires.com/job-fairs

1/19/2010
Tuesday
10am - 2pm
San Antonio Veteran-Diversity-Professional Job Fair
FREE
Norris Conference Center - San Antonio, 4522 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, TX 78201
http://www.ineedajob.com/index.php?page=view_jobfair&post_id=657

1/19/2010
Tuesday
10am - 2pm
Job News Job Fair Cincinnati
FREE
Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Road, Sharonville, OH 45246
http://cincinnati.jobnewsusa.com/JobSeeker/JobFairs/FairDetails.aspx?id=290

1/19/2010
Tuesday
10am - 2pm
Job News Job Fair Columbus
FREE
Aladdin Shrine Center, 3850 Stelzer Rd., Columbus, OH 43219
http://columbus.jobnewsusa.com/JobSeeker/JobFairs/FairDetails.aspx?id=291

1/20/2010
Wednesday
10am - 2pm
Global Recruiting Solutions - Mobile, Alabama
FREE
The Mobile Marriott Hotel, 3101 Airport Blvd., Mobile, AL. 36606
http://www.grsjobfairs.com/home.html

1/20/2010
Wednesday
11am - 2pm
South Jersey Hires Job Fair
FREE
The Mansion on Main Street, Plaza 3000 Main Street, Voorhees, NJ 08043
http://southjersey.localhires.com/job-fairs
1/20/2010

Wednesday
11am - 3pm
Las Vegas Choice Career Fair
FREE
Texas Station Hotel & Casino, 2101 Texas Star Ln, N., Las Vegas, NV 89130
http://lasvegasjobs.com/splash/lvjobfair/jobseeker/

1/20/2010
Wednesday
10am - 2pm
The Military Edge San Antonio, TX National Job Fair
FREE
For more details call (Tony) 210-858-8721 or email: twhite@themilitaryedge.com
http://www.ineedajob.com/index.php?page=view_jobfair&post_id=653

1/20/2010
Wednesday
10am - 2pm
Freedom Job Fair Houston Veteran-Diversity-Professional Job Fair
FREE
Norris Conference Center - Westchase, 9990 Richmond Ave., Suite 102, Houston, TX 77042
http://www.ineedajob.com/index.php?page=view_jobfair&post_id=656

1/20/2010
Wednesday
10am - 2pm
American Career Fairs Longview, Texas Career Fair
FREE
Maude Cobb Conference Center, 100 Grand Blvd, Longview, TX 75606
http://americancareerfairs.com/

1/20/2010
Wednesday
10am - 2pm
Employment Guide Orlando Job Fair
FREE
The Plaza Theatre, 425 North Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
http://www.employmentguide.com/jobfairdetails.html?JobfairID=3248

1/20/2010
Wednesday
10am - 2pm
Job News Job Fair Tulsa
FREE
Renaissance Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center, 6808 South 107th East Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74133
http://tulsa.jobnewsusa.com/JobSeeker/JobFairs/FairDetails.aspx?id=295

1/20/2010
Wednesday
10am - 3pm
JobExpo.com Uniondale
FREE
Long Island Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 101 James Doolittle Boulevard, Uniondale, NY 11553
http://jobexpo.com/JobSeeker/viewEvent.asp?eid=1265

1/21/2010
Thursday
11am - 2pm
Portland Hires Job Fair
FREE
Red Lion Hotel on the River, 909 N. Hayden Island Drive, Portland, OR 97217
http://portland.localhires.com/job-fairs

1/21/2010
Thursday
10:30am - 2pm
Choice Career Fairs Seattle
FREE
The Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St., Seattle, WA 98109
http://www.choicecareerfairs.com/seattle-jobs/

1/21/2010
Thursday
10am - 2pm
Job News Job Fair Jacksonville
FREE
Ramada Conference Center, 3130 Hartley Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32257
http://jax.jobnewsusa.com/JobSeeker/JobFairs/FairDetails.aspx?id=293

1/21/2010
Wednesday
10am - 3pm
JobExpo.com New York
FREE
New York's Hotel Pennsylvania, 401 Seventh Ave (at 33rd St), New York, NY 10001
http://jobexpo.com/JobSeeker/viewEvent.asp?eid=1275

1/22/2010
Friday
11am - 2pm
Indianapolis Hires Job Fair
FREE
Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre, 31 W. Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204
http://indy.localhires.com/job-fairs

1/25/2010
Monday
5pm - 8pm
Biz to Biz Business Expo
FREE
Sheraton Ft. Lauderdale Airport Hotel, 1825 Griffin Road, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33004
http://www.biztobiznetworking.com/bizorder.htm

1/25/2010
Monday
11am - 2pm
Austin Hires Job Fair
FREE
Embassy Suites Austin Central, 5901 North IH-35, Austin, TX 78723
http://austin.localhires.com/job-fairs

1/26/2010
Tuesday
11am - 2pm
Cincinnati Hires Job Fair
FREE
Holiday Inn Hotel I-275 Cincinnati, 3855 Hauck Road, Cincinnati, OH 45421
http://cincinnati.localhires.com/job-fairs

1/26/2010
Tuesday
10:30am - 2pm
Choice Career Fairs Orange County
FREE
The Radisson Hotel - John Wayne Airport, Orange County, CA
http://www.choicecareerfairs.com/orangecounty-jobs/

1/26/2010
Tuesday
10:30am - 2pm
Choice Career Fairs DFW
FREE
Plano Centre, 2000 E Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX 75074-3205
http://www.choicecareerfairs.com/dallas-jobs/

1/26/2010
Tuesday
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM Eastern Time
Advance Virtual Job Fair - Eastern Region
FREE
Online
www,advanceweb.com

1/26/2010
Tuesday
10am - 2pm
Job News Job Fair Kansas City
FREE
Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66211
http://kc.jobnewsusa.com/JobSeeker/JobFairs/FairDetails.aspx?id=302

1/26/2010
Tuesday
10am - 3pm
Job News Job Fair Louisville
FREE
Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, 2800 S Floyd St, Louisville, KY 40209
http://louisville.jobnewsusa.com/JobSeeker/JobFairs/FairDetails.aspx?id=314

1/27/2010
Wednesday
10am - 2pm
Global Recruiting Solutions - Baltimore, MD
FREE
The Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2004 Greenspring Dr., Timonium, MD. 21093
http://www.grsjobfairs.com/home.html

1/27/2010
Wednesday
10am - 3pm
TechExpo Top Secret Career Fairs
FREE
Doubletree Hotel Colorado Spring, 1775 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
http://www.techexpousa.com/

1/27/2010
Wednesday
12pm - 4pm
The Mayor’s Job Fair, Central Florida Employment Council
FREE
Central Florida Fair Expo Park, Hall C, 4603 West Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32808
http://www.cfec.org/

1/27/2010
Wednesday
10:30am - 2pm
Choice Career Fairs Denver
FREE
The Double Tree Hotel, 3203 Quebec St, Denver, CO 80207-2319
http://www.choicecareerfairs.com/denver-jobs/

1/27/2010
Wednesday
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM Central Time
Advance Virtual Job Fair - Central/Mountain Region
FREE
Online
www,advanceweb.com

1/27/2010
Wednesday
10am - 2pm
Job News Job Fair Nashville
FREE
LP Field Titan Stadium, 1 Titans Way, Nashville, TN 37213
http://nashville.jobnewsusa.com/JobSeeker/JobFairs/FairDetails.aspx?id=294

1/28/2010
Thursday
11am - 3pm
All New Mexico Jobs Fair
FREE
Radisson Hotel, 2500 Carlisle Blvd., NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110
http://allnewmexicojobs.com/splash/abqjobfair/jobseeker/

1/28/2010
Thursday
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM Pacific Time
Advance Virtual Job Fair - Pacific Region
FREE
Online
http://www.advanceweb.com/

1/28/2010
Thursday
10am -3pm
Job News Job Fair Ft. Lauderdale
FREE
The Signature Grand, 6900 W State Road 84, Davie, FL 33317
http://fortlauderdale.jobnewsusa.com/JobSeeker/JobFairs/FairDetails.aspx?id=292

1/28/2010
Thursday
9:30am - 4:30pm
Health & Science Career Fair 2010 - Miami Minority Chamber of Commerce
FREE
Double Tree Miami Mart, 711 NW 72 Avenue, Miami, FL 33126
http://www.minoritychamber.net/

1/29/2010
Friday
2:30pm - 5:30pm
2010 Diversity Career Fair & Business Employment Networking Mixer
FREE
Four Points by Sheraton, 8110 Aero Drive, San Diego, CA 92123
http://www.diversitysolutions.us/

2010 - Job Fairs Around the USA!!

2010-01-05T14:17:00.000-05:00

GET HIRED IN 2010!!!!!

JOB FAIRS FOR January 2010

http://www.careerbuilder.com/

http://www.employmentguide.com/

http://www.monster.com/
* Job fair promotion is not exclusive to these websites above. Please check your local newspapers and state websites for more information about local job fairs and career expos.

Want to make the most of attending a job fair?Career Fair success lies in effective preparation, and communication. Make sure to research the employers you want to visit: learn about them, the positions they're looking to fill, and what type of candidates they're looking for. Try to obtain the company participation list in advance to prepare yourself for the BIG DAY!
Tip: Arrive with a positive attitudeHave your 30 second commercial ready
Tip: Bring at least 20 copies of your resume.Fact: Employers only look at resumes an average of 10 seconds. Make sure you’re leaving employers with the impression - Hire Me!
Tip: Do your research!The more you know about a company, the more you can converse with the company representative and the more memorable you will be.
Tip: Get the interviewer's business card.If you are called for an interview, you will want to follow up with a letter that reinforces the points you made and the facts you learned.
Tip: Maximize, Maximize, Maximize!The lines might be daunting but don't fail to maximize this opportunity. Talk to every company that fits your experience and ambitions. If you meet with 20 recruiters, at the end of the day you will know 20 people by name. That sure beats sending a blind resume to "Personnel Director."
Tip: Plan a few key questions!Be ready to ask intelligent questions like asking how your skills might be utilized within the framework of the company and by asking questions about relevant news within that organization. Make sure to ask the recruiter what he or she likes best about the corporate culture to better assess if that company is right for you.
Tip: Wear Proper Business AttireFirst impressions count!
Have a successful day!Michelle BrecherDirector of Student Services

Little things that can add up in an INTERVIEW!

2009-11-24T15:44:00.000-05:00

Little things can speak volumes about a person's professionalism:

Never take a cell phone call in an interview; leave your cell phone in your car or make sure it is turned off. "That's completely unprofessional," says Whitmore. She says no one should text or take a call in front of a client or customer either.

Record a professional-sounding voice mail message at home and on your cell phone.Make sure your e-mail reflects your name or is professional -- no hotmamma@hotmail.com.

Follow up on delivery of your resume and cover letter with a phone call or e-mail. You don't want to be a pest, but show you're involved in the process, Leventhal says.

After a job interview, send a hand-written thank-you note by priority mail, even if you also send an e-mail. "It shows the character you bring to the job," Leventhal says.

How to land an INTERNSHIP!

2009-11-11T15:47:00.001-05:00

Obtaining an Internship is a great way for students to gain real world hand on experience in their chosen field.

Below are some great National resources to assist in helping you secure an internship.

1. http://www.internships.com/

2. http://www.collegerecruiter.com/

3. http://www.internjobs.com/

Related Articles:

· 8 ways to find an internship: http://internships.about.com/od/internsites/tp/howtofind.htm#
· Finding websites for internships: http://internships.about.com/od/internshipsites/Websites_For_Finding_Internships.htm

Top Four Money Mistakes College Students Make

2009-10-12T14:29:00.000-04:00

Top Four Money Mistakes College Students Make

Debt Ranks among the Biggest Problems for Most Students: College students face many hard financial decisions. As a young adult they need to figure out how to pay for college, earn some spending money, and still get a good education. This is a tall order for anyone, so it’s no wonder that many college can students end up making some costly money mistakes. Unfortunately, these mistakes can actually cause damage that lingers for decades, so making sure your finances are in order even as a college student can go a long way in helping you get a good start after school.

Mistake #1: Credit Card Debt:

Keep in mind that credit cards can play a vital role in establishing your credit history, so that doesn’t mean credit cards should be avoided. Instead, credit cards should be used to help build a solid credit history. Pay off the balance in full each month. This will allow you to still collect the rewards or earn cash back while not having to deal with finance charges and long repayment periods. Don’t get into the habit of paying the minimum payment each month or you could be stuck trying to pay off the card for over ten years!

Mistake #2: Ruining Your Credit Score:

Don’t get careless with your finances just because you’re in college. It’s easy to make a mistake, but realize that those mistakes can prove costly even later in life. If you are going to utilize credit cards or other loans just make sure you make your payments on time and don’t get in over your head. Remember, missed payments or other negative marks will remain on your credit history for seven years and trash your credit score.

Mistake #3: Lack of Budgeting:

While you are in school is one of the most important times to start budgeting. As a student it’s easy to get complacent when you don’t have a mortgage to pay, kids to feed, or other significant money worries. The problem is that students often have a limited or even sporadic income and if you don’t track this spending carefully it’s easy to waste money on things that you could otherwise save. Start by creating a simple budget. It doesn’t take long, but if you take the time to analyze your income and where you’re spending money you can get a better idea of where your money is going and where you can cut back. After all, if you end up spending more money than you have coming in, you’re likely to end up with problems by getting into credit card debt and possibly ruining your credit. Stop by the Student Services Office at your campus if you need help with budgeting, they can help.

Mistake #4: Using Student Loan Money Inappropriately College tuition has gone up dramatically in recent years so it’s hard to keep up if your parents can’t help out that much. If the loans are actually used for school expenses that’s one thing, but all too often students will borrow a private loan for living expenses to buy things that aren’t essential for school. Some students assume their loans will be easy to pay off once they graduate and get a good job, but things don’t always work out that way. If you use your student loan money appropriately, you can be sure that you’re only taking on as much debt as you need to in order to receive the education you want.

Submitted by:

Maria Vivier

Director of Student Financial Services

Default Prevention Manager
Keiser University
1900 W. Commercial Blvd Ft Lauderdale, Fl 33309 954-776-4476 ext 1166

*Condensed from an article by Jeremy Vohwinkle @ About.com

HOT 100!!!!

2009-09-29T14:36:00.001-04:00

Check out the 2009 top 100 companies to work for!

CLICK HERE

Also check out the awesome resources in support of your job search!

HEALTHCARE JOBS NATIONWIDE!

2009-09-14T14:52:00.000-04:00

We found this great site for Health Care jobs nationwide!

http://www.ushealthworks.com/2-ALL-Careers_JobTeam.html

Committed to your success!

Citrix Student Technology Education Program (STEP)

2009-09-04T15:50:00.000-04:00

Citrix has recently launched STEP - a program designed to enrich the academic community with knowledge of Citrix virtualization solutions. It also provides college technology majors a resume-booster and a career head start with access to valuable training and certification.
For a limited time, Citrix is offering college technology majors and their professors free training and certification in virtualization - one of the hottest, growing areas of IT. Students and professors can enroll in a XenServer training course - valued at $2,000 - absolutely free. Plus, the first 1,000 to get started also get the XenServer certification exam for free.

Click here for details

FALL INTO YOUR CAREER!!! SEPT JOB FAIRS!

2009-08-31T12:54:00.000-04:00

GET HIRED IN SEPTEMBER

"FALL INTO YOUR CAREER"

JOB FAIRS FOR 9/09

The company representatives will provide information about general career opportunities as well as specific details on current openings. Many Job fairs and Career expos also offer a variety of FREE workshops. Above all, networking and increased opportunities are a valuable benefit of attending these events!

Benefits of a Job Fair include:

- Face to face networking

- On the spot interviews

- Access to professional development workshops

- The ability to make an IMPRESSION!

Every month there are job fairs around the USA. I suggest bookmarking these sites and marking your calendar for future events in your area!

- http://www.careerbuilder.com/

- http://www.employementguide.com/

- http://www.monster.com/

* Job fair promotion is not exclusive to these websites above. Please check your local newspapers and state websites for more information about local job fairs and career expos.

Want to make the most of attending a job fair?

Career Fair success lies in effective preparation, and communication.

Make sure to research the employers you want to visit: learn about them, the positions they're looking to fill, and what type of candidates they're looking for.

Try to obtain the company participation list in advance to prepare yourself for the BIG DAY!

Tip: Arrive with a positive attitudeHave your 30 second commercial ready

Tip: Bring at least 20 copies of your resume.

Fact: Employers only look at resumes an average of 10 seconds. Make sure you’re leaving employers with the impression - Hire Me!

Tip: Do your research!The more you know about a company, the more you can converse with the company representative and the more memorable you will be.

Tip: Get the interviewer's business card.If you are called for an interview, you will want to follow up with a letter that reinforces the points you made and the facts you learned.

Tip: Maximize, Maximize, Maximize!The lines might be daunting but don't fail to maximize this opportunity. Talk to every company that fits your experience and ambitions. If you meet with 20 recruiters, at the end of the day you will know 20 people by name. That sure beats sending a blind resume to "Personnel Director."

Tip: Plan a few key questions!Be ready to ask intelligent questions like asking how your skills might be utilized within the framework of the company and by asking questions about relevant news within that organization. Make sure to ask the recruiter what he or she likes best about the corporate culture to better assess if that company is right for you.

Tip: Wear Proper Business AttireFirst impressions count!

Have a successful day!

FICO! Raise those Scores!

2009-08-17T14:33:00.000-04:00

Hello!
Today’s economy is much different than it was last year. These days we need to be our own advocate when it comes to our credit report. These tips below can help you to raise your FICO score and keep yourself in a good position to apply for any credit based assistance (mortgage loan, car loan, credit card, etc.) I thought by sharing this with you that you would be able to use this knowledge to investigate your own FICO score and take any action you needed to in order to raise it up!

10 Easy Ways for Students to Raise Their FICO Score
Having a good FICO score is very important if you want to get approved for fair interest rates on loans, credit cards, and other sources of credit. If your FICO score isn't quite as high as you'd like it to be or if you have no credit at all, here are 10 easy ways that you can raise your FICO score

*Establish New Accounts*

If you want to establish credit or raise your FICO score, you should get a credit card in your name and use it responsibly. This means charging regularly and paying the balances off regularly as well. If possible, get a card with a high limit and always keep the card balance below 25 percent.

*Piggyback on Another Account*

If a parent or some other responsible individual is willing to add your name to their credit card account, it will help your credit and boost your FICO score. Every time this person charges and makes payments on the account it will look good for you.

*Get Secured Debt *

If you are having difficulty getting approved for a regular credit card, try getting a secured credit card. These cards are perfect for those who have poor credit because they allow you to make charges that can be covered by money you have already applied to an account. There is no way for you to overcharge or miss payments. Eventually, use of the card will increase your FICO score.

*Don't Apply for Too Much Credit *

If you have a flurry of credit inquiries on your credit history because you applied for 10 different credit cards and 5 different loans in a three-month period, it can lower your FICO score. If you can, try to limit yourself to two inquires each year.

*Increase Your Current Card Limits *

The lower your balances are on your credit cards in comparison to the limit of your credit cards, the better your credit report will look and the higher your FICO score will be. If getting the balances paid down is proving to be a problem, or even if it's not, contact your creditors and ask for a higher limit.

*Pay Off Old Accounts *

If you have old, unpaid debts on your credit report, it can really drag your FICO score down. One of the best ways to undo the damage that has been done is to pay off old accounts and make arrangements with the creditors to have the judgments removed.

*Don't Close Old Accounts *

Even if they are unused, old accounts attribute to your length of credit history and affect your score. The longer you have an account, the better it looks. Closing old accounts can lower your FICO score even further.

*Always Pay Bills On Time *

Not paying your bills on time is a sure-fire way to lower your FICO score. Each late payment can lower your score by as much as 20 points. In contrast, paying your bills on time consistently can raise your FICO score.

*Lower Your Debt *

Having a significant amount of outstanding debt, such as student loans, cars loans, and other types of installment loans can lower your debt-to-income ratio and in turn, your FICO score. If you can lower your debt; your FICO score will begin to rise at a fast pace.

*Get Help *
If you are having a hard time managing your credit and raising your FICO score to an acceptable
level, consider getting professional help through a low cost or no cost credit counseling service.

The three credit reporting agencies are:

Equifax: 800-685-1111
TransUnion: 800-493-2392
Experian: 888-397-3742

As always we here at eCampus have your best interest in mind. I hope you find this information helpful. If you have any questions please call the campus at 1-888-4-KEISER and ask for anyone on the Bursar or Financial Aid Team to assist you.

Gayle Zuckerman, MBA/HRM
Director of Financial Aid
Keiser University - eCampus
phone: (888) 4-KEISER ext. 162
dedicated fax: (954)318-7571
toll free fax: (866)845-2787
gzuckerman@keiseruniversity.edu

GET HIRED IN AUGUST!

2009-08-10T11:25:00.000-04:00

GET HIRED IN AUGUST

JOB FAIRS FOR 8/09

Benefits of a Job Fair include:

- Face to face networking

- On the spot interviews

- Access to professional development workshops

- The ability to make an IMPRESSION!

Every month there are job fairs around the USA. I suggest bookmarking these sites and marking your calendar for future events in your area!

- http://www.careerbuilder.com/

- http://www.employementguide.com/

- http://www.monster.com/

* Job fair promotion is not exclusive to these websites above. Please check your local newspapers and state websites for more information about local job fairs and career expos.

Want to make the most of attending a job fair?

Career Fair success lies in effective preparation, and communication.

Make sure to research the employers you want to visit: learn about them, the positions they're looking to fill, and what type of candidates they're looking for.

Try to obtain the company participation list in advance to prepare yourself for the BIG DAY!

Tip: Arrive with a positive attitudeHave your 30 second commercial ready

Tip: Bring at least 20 copies of your resume.

Fact: Employers only look at resumes an average of 10 seconds. Make sure you’re leaving employers with the impression - Hire Me!

Tip: Do your research!The more you know about a company, the more you can converse with the company representative and the more memorable you will be.

Tip: Get the interviewer's business card.If you are called for an interview, you will want to follow up with a letter that reinforces the points you made and the facts you learned.

Tip: Wear Proper Business AttireFirst impressions count!

Have a successful day!

NEW HOT SITE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT JOBS

2009-08-03T09:52:00.001-04:00

The KU department of student services is pleased to share this valuable website for all Criminal Justice majors and graduates!

http://www.golawenforcement.com/jobs.htm

Go Law Enforcement is a comprehensive site filled with:

-JOB POSTINGS NATIONWIDE
-CAREER DEVELOPMENT TOOLS
-EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

College Central News for ALUMNI!

2009-07-21T12:23:00.000-04:00

Current job count on CCN's national job board: 61,309!

Log back in to your account at http://www.AlumniCentral.com to see who's looking to hire. Over 1,000,000 jobs have already been posted to date by employers searching for job seekers just like you!

FREE Career Information

Remember, CCN offers hundreds of valuable career advice articles online to guide you on your career path!

This Week's Feature: "References Can Make Or Break Your Job Search"

Rarely is having someone "put in a good word for you" more critical than when you're searching for a job or position. References can speak to your stability and character, as well as address your qualifications. Read how these seven career tips can help you make sure your reference assets work to your advantage:

"References, personal or professional, are golden assets as you travel along your career path. They can make or break your job search. Nurture them with great care."

Read the full article at: http://www.collegecentral.com/Article.cfm?CatID=CAR&ArticleID=3687

Don't Forget: CCN's Career Advice Video Library is FREE to all Alumni Job Seekers like you!

Over 100 career advice videos are available NOW in your AlumniCentral.com account!

Watch success at work and sharpen your job search skills by listening and learning:

-- Want to keep your resume out of the trash?
-- What about beards and accessories at the workplace?
-- How do you handle tricky interview Q&As?
-- Did you know Tiki Barber planned ahead for a career switch from the NFL to NBC?

Find these career-related video resources and more in your AlumniCentral.com account:

-- Resumes & Cover Letters: better prepare and present your resume to prospective employers;
-- Dress for Success: what's appropriate career apparel for creating a positive image in and out of the office;
-- Interviewing: never be too prepared for those job interviews and presenting yourself to employers;
-- Career Profiles: job functions and skills, demands, and objectives required for success in various career and job markets;
-- Celebrity Job Profiles: successful actors and entrepreneurs in their own words about achieving their goals.
-- and MORE!

It's FREE. It's EASY. It's all available NOW!

Just log in to your AlumniCentral.com account today.

Here's to your success!

15 companies hiring THIS MONTH

2009-07-14T10:30:00.001-04:00

I'll guarantee either you or someone you know is looking for a job. Maybe you were laid off, just graduated or are unhappy with your current job.
The problem is that you can't find a job because there are fewer out there. But don't make the mistake of thinking there are no jobs out there. You've just got a little more competition vying for the same positions.

To help you out, we've reached out to companies who are definitely hiring in July to find out which jobs they're looking to fill. We've also included a sample of some of their open positions and the corresponding locations.

What are they looking for? Education and experience requirements vary by industry and positions. Still, hard work and loyalty are common traits employers are looking for across all industries, especially in this economy.

Companies that are hiringYou'll notice that we've included companies of various sizes -- some are hiring hundreds and others are hiring less than dozen. We wanted to include job openings in a variety of industries throughout the country because we know workers in every field are looking for work. Some prefer large organizations and others like a small company, so hopefully there's something for everyone.

Here are 15 companies hiring in July:

Allstate

Industry: Insurance

Open positions: 500Sample positions: Claims processing specialist, underwriting examiner, claims service adjusterLocation: Nationwide (including Washington, Virginia, Florida)

AT&T

Industry: Telecommunications

Open positions: 3,500Sample positions: Retail sales consultant, sales support rep, premises technicianLocation: Nationwide (including Louisiana, Ohio, Georgia)

Colonial Life

Industry: Insurance

Open positions: 150Sample positions: District sales manager, sales representativeLocation: Nationwide (including Texas, New Jersey, Kansas)

Financial Comfort

Industry: Finance

Open positions: 6-9Sample positions: Bookkeeper, staff accountant, marketingLocation: New York

Kearney & Company

Industry: Accounting

Open positions: 25Sample positions: Senior accountant, senior auditor, IT auditorLocation: Virginia

Kelly Services, Kelly Scientific Resources, Kelly Information Technology Resources

Industry: Various*

Open positions: 1000Sample positions: Senior chemist, biologics quality assurance/quality control, .Net programmer, help desk worker Location: Nationwide (including Massachusetts, Michigan, Colorado)

LogoNation

Industry: Marketing

Open positions: 10-15Sample positions: Graphic designer, outside sales representativeLocation: Nationwide (including Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina)

lynda.com

Industry: Technology and education

Open positions: 20Sample positions: Online marketing manager, executive assistant, business analystLocation: California

MassPRO, Inc

Industry: Marketing/consulting

Open positions: 25-50Sample positions: Jewelry/handbag merchandiserLocation: Nationwide (including 48 states and Puerto Rico)

McAlister's Deli

Industry: Casual dining

Open positions: 200Sample positions: Team member, restaurant manager, vice president of financeLocation: Nationwide (including Louisiana, Michigan, Alabama)

Motorola

Industry: Telecommunications

Open positions: 200Sample positions: Mechanical engineer, brand marketing consultant, senior accountantLocation: Florida, California, Pennsylvania, Illinois

Robert Half International Direct Hire, Robert Half International Temporary, Robert Half International Consulting Positions

Industry: Various*

Open positions: 2,800Sample positions: Senior financial analyst, staff accountant, accounting clerkLocation: Nationwide (including New York, California, Florida)

Total Quality Logistics

Industry: Third-party logistics

Open positions: 80Sample positions: Inside sales executive, software developer, HR systems coordinatorLocation: Ohio

U.S. Cellular

Industry: Telecommunications

Open positions: 450Sample positions: Customer service representative, data network engineer, senior database administratorLocation: Multiple (including Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma)

Yodle

Industry: Marketing

Open positions: 25Sample positions: Sales representative, interactive marketing specialistLocation: Nationwide (including North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York)
*Note: These are staffing agencies looking for employees on behalf of other employers across the country and in a variety of fields.

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.

2009-06-30T10:43:00.000-04:00

GET HIRED IN JULY!!!!! JOB FAIRS FOR JULY 2009

Now more than ever, it's becoming increasingly important to "know" who is hiring and where the jobs are.
Attending a job fair allows you to meet with MULTIPLE employers at a convenient location, usually a large hotel or conference center. Attending a job fair will give you the chance to meet with representatives from a variety of companies - like "one stop shopping" at the mall.
The company representatives will provide information about general career opportunities as well as specific details on current openings. Many Job fairs and Career expos also offer a variety of FREE workshops. Above all, networking and increased opportunities are a valuable benefit of attending these events!

Benefits of a Job Fair include:
- Face to face networking
- On the spot interviews
- Access to professional development workshops
- The ability to make an IMPRESSION!

Every month there are job fairs around the USA. I suggest bookmarking these sites and marking your calendar for future events in your area!
- http://www.careerbuilder.com/
- http://www.employementguide.com/
- http://www.monster.com/

* Job fair promotion is not exclusive to these websites above. Please check your local newspapers and state websites for more information about local job fairs and career expos.

Want to make the most of attending a job fair?
Career Fair success lies in effective preparation, and communication. Make sure to research the employers you want to visit: learn about them, the positions they're looking to fill, and what type of candidates they're looking for. Try to obtain the company participation list in advance to prepare yourself for the BIG DAY!

Tip: Arrive with a positive attitudeHave your 30 second commercial ready

Tip: Bring at least 20 copies of your resume.Fact: Employers only look at resumes an average of 10 seconds. Make sure you’re leaving employers with the impression - Hire Me!

Tip: Do your research!The more you know about a company, the more you can converse with the company representative and the more memorable you will be.

Tip: Get the interviewer's business card.If you are called for an interview, you will want to follow up with a letter that reinforces the points you made and the facts you learned.

Tip: Maximize, Maximize, Maximize!The lines might be daunting but don't fail to maximize this opportunity. Talk to every company that fits your experience and ambitions. If you meet with 20 recruiters, at the end of the day you will know 20 people by name. That sure beats sending a blind resume to "Personnel Director."

Tip: Plan a few key questions!Be ready to ask intelligent questions like asking how your skills might be utilized within the framework of the company and by asking questions about relevant news within that organization. Make sure to ask the recruiter what he or she likes best about the corporate culture to better assess if that company is right for you.

Tip: Wear Proper Business AttireFirst impressions count!

Have a successful day!
Michelle Brecher
Director of Student Services

Job Searching using Technology

2009-06-22T14:35:00.000-04:00

Using Technology can be a very valuable tool to landing a career opportunity. Below are some of the types of web sites offering job listings and career resources.

Job Searching using Technology Web sites:

The Big Three
CareerBuilder
HotJobs
Monster

Vertical Integrators
Indeed
Oodle
SimplyHired

General Classifieds
Craigslist
GoogleBase
LiveExpo

Federally Endorsed
America’s Job Exchange
JobCentral
Jobs.com

Next-Gen Search
GetTheJob
Jobster
Just-Posted

The top 5 Vertical Web sites:
simplyhired.com
topusajobs.com
job-search-engine.com
gojobs.com

*Specialty job board Web sites:
College: CollegeGrad.com, GraduateProspects.com
Diversity: LatPro, Hispanic.com, DiversityWorking.com
Military: HireVetsFirst.gov

*There are dozens of specialty job boards. Simply do a search using key words like your profession + employment and/or + jobs!

Have a successful day!

Michelle Brecher

Director of Student Services

Online Divison

JOB OUTLOOK 2009

2009-06-10T09:28:00.000-04:00

Excerpted quote from College Grad Web site at http://www.collegegrad.com/press/hiring-stable.shtml

NACE's (National Assoc. of Colleges and Employers) Job Outlook 2009, which collects survey data from employers, reports that expectations for the Class of 2009 are still 1.3 percent ahead of the Class of 2008's actual hires. The report strikes a note of cautious optimism, projecting very little growth in the hiring levels over the Class of 2008, but more importantly, no expected decline.

With industry indicators showing glimmers of a market comeback, this year's college graduates have reason for optimism -- even if they don't land a job before graduation. Patience, persistence and flexibility are the keys to finding a job in a competitive economy.

"My number one piece of advice is to not give up hope," says Adeola Ogunwole, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for CollegeGrad.com. "Don't let the stress of the job search overtake your life. Put it all in balance. Stay healthy, both mentally and physically."
Maintaining a positive, upbeat attitude can give you an edge in a bleak job market. Ogunwole counsels students to focus on opportunities rather than rejections.

"Expand your network and career path prospects -- many employers are opening up positions for internships and volunteer opportunities," says Ogunwole. "While not ideal, these positions do give you a foot in the door and can lead to permanent employment."

Internships offer employers a cost-effective alternative to hiring full-time employees and give new graduates an opportunity to learn the ropes and establish important industry contacts.

When the job market revives, interns are often first in line to interview for a full-time position.

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In a nutshell, Internships should not be overlooked as a gateway to gainful employment and career "in-field" experiance.

Have a successful day!

Michelle Brecher

Director of Student Services

JOB FAIRS ACROSS THE US!~

2009-06-01T10:54:00.001-04:00

Now more than ever, it's becoming increasingly important to "know" who is hiring and where the jobs are.

Attending a job fair allows you to meet with MULTIPLE employers at a convenient location, usually a large hotel or conference center. Attending a job fair will give you the chance to meet with representatives from a variety of companies - like "one stop shopping" at the mall.

The company representatives will provide information about general career opportunities as well as specific details on current openings. Many Job fairs and Career expos also offer a variety of FREE workshops. Above all, networking and increased opportunities are a valuable benefit of attending these events!

Benefits of a Job Fair include:

- Face to face networking

- On the spot interviews

- Access to professional development workshops

- The ability to make an IMPRESSION!

Every month there are job fairs around the USA. I suggest bookmarking these sites and marking your calendar for future events in your area!

- http://www.careerbuilder.com/

- http://www.employementguide.com/

- http://www.monster.com/

* Job fair promotion is not exclusive to these websites above. Please check your local newspapers and state websites for more information about local job fairs and career expos.

Tip: Arrive with a positive attitude
Have your 30 second commercial ready

Tip: Bring at least 20 copies of your resume.
Fact: Employers only look at resumes an average of 10 seconds. Make sure you’re leaving employers with the impression - Hire Me!

Tip: Do your research!
The more you know about a company, the more you can converse with the company representative and the more memorable you will be.

Tip: Get the interviewer's business card.
If you are called for an interview, you will want to follow up with a letter that reinforces the points you made and the facts you learned.

Tip: Maximize, Maximize, Maximize!
The lines might be daunting but don't fail to maximize this opportunity. Talk to every company that fits your experience and ambitions. If you meet with 20 recruiters, at the end of the day you will know 20 people by name. That sure beats sending a blind resume to "Personnel Director."

Tip: Plan a few key questions!
Be ready to ask intelligent questions like asking how your skills might be utilized within the framework of the company and by asking questions about relevant news within that organization. Make sure to ask the recruiter what he or she likes best about the corporate culture to better assess if that company is right for you.

Tip: Wear Proper Business Attire
First impressions count!

Have a successful day!

Michelle Brecher

Director of Student Services

OFFICE DEPOT - FREE RESUME PRINTING!

2009-05-29T14:59:00.000-04:00

Boca Raton, Florida-based Office Depot has extended its offer to customers to print their resumes

for free until Dec. 31, 2009!!!!!

By Arlene Satchell South Florida Sun Sentinel
12:21 PM EDT, May 28, 2009

Boca Raton-based Office Depot said customers can continue receiving free copies of resumes and free faxing service now through Dec. 31.The office products and services retailer said the promotion has received tremendous response from customers since it launched in April. Office Depot started the promotion as a way to help job seekers and others contemplating a career move in these tough times.
Customers may copy up to 25 single-sided pages of resumes for free and also send domestic faxes to five different numbers (up to 25 pages in total), without charge, the company said.

WANT TO FIND OUT IF THERE IS A SIMILAR PROMOTION IN YOUR TOWN?
To find an Office Depot store near you, go to officedepot.com.