Settling Successfully Into Your New Job

The euphoria of getting a new job can sometimes be overcome by apprehension about what comes next. After all, you're "the new kid on the block," and there's much to learn--about your new job duties and much more. But here are some things you can do to make the process go smoother. >vacancy

1. Dress for success. You'll want to look professional. Dress on the conservative side for the first week. Once you've got a good idea of what's appropriate and what isn't, you can adjust your style. 

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2. Be on time. You never want to start your new job by being late, so make sure you allow plenty of time for your commute. Plan the most direct route, but be aware of alternates in case of an accident or other traffic snarls.

3. Get to know people. Be polite and friendly to everyone you meet, whether it's the receptionist or the general manager. Introduce yourself, smile and make eye contact. Make a positive first impression. Ask about your coworkers' interests. 

4. Ask questions. From "Where's the bathroom?" to "Which tool do I use for this task?" It's OK to ask for help! Your coworkers will feel good about doing whatever they can to assist you. Let them. It's always better to have to ask the right way to do something than to try to figure it out on your own, mess up, and have to do it all over again.

5. Remember your place. You may feel "qualified" to tell your new coworkers that there's a better way to do something, but be patient. Every workplace has its own way of doing things. Never say "That's not how we did it at my old company!" (You're coworkers may invite you to return to your old company!) Be patient and become an accepted member of the team before you make suggestions for improvements.

6. Be careful about office politics. Pay attention to the grapevine, but don't contribute to it. Do not accept at face value what one employee says about another; form your own opinions based on your own interactions and judgment. Never complain about anyone at your old job or your new one. Figure out who has the real authority to give you work to do, and who is trying to take advantage of your newness.

Above all, keep a positive attitude, do your work to the best of your ability, and keep an open mind. Before you know it, you'll be climbing the career ladder and giving advice to newcomers! > employee

Use the Personal Touch to Get a Job

A recent study showed that sales people who used their prospects' names generated a 239% increase in sales.

The simple act of using a name can have a dramatic impact on your own ultimate success in landing a new job! 

During your next interview, focus on remembering the names of the interviewers. Find a reason to say their name at least three times during your conversation. Repeat their name at the end of the interview to make a lasting impression. >vacancy
But don't stop at that. Make it a point to remember and use the names of the other people you meet -- the receptionist, the HR person, anyone you speak to during your visit. They'll remember YOU and maybe nudge the boss in your direction when it's time to make the hiring decision!  

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Here's a personal step that you must plan ahead for. After the interview, go out to your car and take out the nice notepaper you've brought along for this purpose. Write your thank-you notes while the interview is fresh in your mind.

In today's high-tech world, a handwritten note is becoming a scarce -- and appreciated -- commodity.

Place the note in an envelope and write the name of the interviewer on it (do separate notes and envelopes for each interviewer, if more than one). Go back inside and hand-deliver them to the receptionist... smile and use his/her name when asking that the notes be delivered.

Do you think any other candidate will do this? Heck no! (Not unless he/she reads this article!)

Have an instant advantage by using the personal touches of: (1) remembering and using names; and (2) handwriting and immediately delivering thoughtful thank-you notes! > employee

How To Tap Into the "Invisible" Job Market

Is there a company in your area that you'd love to work for? Do you assume that, because you don't see them advertising in the classifieds or posting jobs on their website, they have no openings? That may or may not be the case. That truth is, only about one-fifth of job openings are actually advertised! 

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Here's how to tap into the huge "invisible" job market.

1. Make a list of companies you'd like to work for that are likely to have positions in your field. When composing your list, do some research and take notes about each company. You'll use that later. 

2. Obtain the names of the people in those companies who have the power to offer you a job. Simply call each company’s main number and ask for the name (ask them to spell it) and title of the manager in your field of expertise (or check to see if this information is available on their website). If possible, also get their email address and direct phone number. Don’t let the receptionist give you the name of the Human Resources manager (unless that is the department where you are trying to get a job) because your first point of contact should be with the hiring manager in your field.

3. Write and send a attention-grabbing cover letter with your resume. Address it specifically to the hiring manager in your field. The saluation should include his/her name and title. (Using something like "Dear Hiring Manager" in an unsolicited letter will likely cause it to be tossed in the garbage.) Say something specific about the company (to show you have a genuine interest and did some research) and explain how your skills and qualifications would help them achieve their goals. vacancy

If you can refer to someone the addressee knows, this will give your letter a big boost. For instance, "Jim Jones in your accounting department mentioned that you might have a need for someone with a background in direct marketing" (or whatever your field is). Yes, this is name-dropping, and it works! If you don't yet have a name to drop, do some networking... talk to everyone you know and see if they know anyone who works at that company; join associations that may have members who work for that company; go to trade fairs in which they may participate... and so on and so forth.

Your cover letter is extremely important because it's your first contact with the hiring manager.

4. Follow-up with the people you sent cover letters and resumes to. You can do this through email or by calling them. Here's a general idea of what you want to say (don't use this word for word): “My name is _________. I'm a graphic designer (or whatever your job title is) and I recently sent you a cover letter with my resume. I realize you are very busy, but I would greatly appreciate it if you could verify that you received it. I am very interested in working for your company and am eager to show you how I can be a contributing member of your team. I'd love to speak with you in person (if doing this by email) or come in for an informational interview."

If you're sending them an email or leaving a message on their voicemail, conclude with: "Please contact me at your convenience..." (leave your contact info; 24-hour phone number and email address). Any other steps you take will depend on the success of this one.

You might want to follow-up one more time after about 10 days if you don't get any response to your first contact. But don't continue pursuing it after that. Focus your job search activities elsewhere.

Even if the majority of people you contact say there are no current openings, these are not necessarily wasted steps. You are demonstrating a proactive approach, and employers admire drive and ambition. You may make such a great impression that you'll be remembered as soon as a vacancy opens up! employee

Formatting Your Cover Letter

The Net's Premier Resume Writing and Editing Service

Because a cover letter is your first chance to make a lasting impression with a hiring manager, it must be professional. To accomplish this: employee

1. Always use the same heading for your cover letter that you have used in your resume.

2. Whenever possible, use the hiring manager's name. This personalizes the document and shows attention to detail.

3. Include in your opening paragraph what job you're interested in and a specific reason as to why you feel qualified for this position.

4. Include in the body of the letter the specific experience, skills or accomplishments from your past that dovetail with the requirements of the new job. This data should be bulleted, rather than presented in a solid block of text. The human eye is drawn to bulleted areas, and they provide the data in an easy-to-read format, so that the hiring manager can digest the information from one sentence before moving on to the others.

Examples of bulleted areas follow: Vacancy*

As my enclosed resume indicates, my background includes more than two decades of service at US Flight with significant experience in:

• Aircraft accident investigation as a member of the US Flight disaster team.

• Security checkpoints, where I handled countless calls for assistance.

• Training the Ground Security team to protect and promote public safety.

In addition to the above skills, I can also offer your firm:

• More than 30 years of experience in the airline industry.

• Expertise in dealing with government agencies, including the FAA where I facilitated communications to reduce company fines.

• Reduced absenteeism and occupational injuries -- standards I maintained at US Flight, where I achieved the best employee safety record of all US Flight cities.

5. If the letter is being addressed to a specific hiring manager, close your letter proactively indicating that you will be contacting the hiring manager's office within the next week to see if you might set up a time to meet.

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Sending Your Cover Letter by "Snail" Mail

Competency-Based Interviews: 6 Steps to Success!

Competency-based interviews are intended to get the best from you, the candidate, whilst also fulfilling the needs of the organization to get the very best person for the job. There are some easy steps to make the most of yourself and have a much better chance of success.

1. Prepare well, but keep it sensible As long as you know the job you are going for, ask for details of what you will be measured against. Ask for a set of competencies. Ask for a job description. This sets you up to succeed, not just because you are better informed, but also because you have asked - which will impress the decision-makers, before you even get there!
   
2. Get Creative Here is the time to use your own experiences to create 'stories' which you can use in the actual interview. These 'stories' are real scenarios that you have been a part of, which over a period of days and weeks beforehand, you write up. Maybe you will have 20+ initial ideas.
3. Leverage! Take the very best scenarios and write them out, bullet points first. Then flesh them out, whilst referring carefully to the competencies you've been given. It is amazing how you can 'tune-in' your scenario to include many, if not all of the competencies. And if you can't fit them all in, there will be a use for them - later!
4. Practice By reading through your scenarios (and by now you should not have more than six or seven) you will familiarise yourself with the contents, so well, that they will become second nature - even in the scary experience of an interview.
5. In the Interview There are some tactics in here too!
   
   • Using your scenarios make just three key points about what you've been asked. Make them relevant and the right 'weight'. Not too long or too short.
   • After that, leave space for them to ask more - that's what they are listening for.
   • Say 'I' a lot - they want to know what your personal involvement and experience was, not 'the team' or 'they'.
   • Have fun - whilst not contrived, smile and make some simple jokes, if you feel comfortable with that - they want to employ happy as well as capable people.
   • Can't answer? That's fine. Make sure that you reflect on your shortcomings by saying things like, 'It's one of the first things I want to develop in my next job - if you did your stuff on your scenarios and your competencies well enough, you will have covered 90% of the bases well and you'll be forgiven for not being 'perfect'. If you are really stumped - say so!
   • Ask questions - relevant, about their culture, focus on developing you, opportunities - the positive 'peopley' things (remember it's your chance to see if you want to work with them!).
   • Also ask about current issues they may be facing - you did do your homework on them, didn't you?
6. Strong Ending!Keep the whole thing light, even as you leave at the end. Have a conversation in general terms - about anything! Do make sure that you ask them some things that are about them - they will love it if you ask them some open (what, how, when, where, who) general questions about your new job! About something nice in the building or their clothes - take as it comes and do what feels comfortable!
   
   
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Identifying Your Passion's "Building Blocks"

If you're reading this article, you are probably giving some thought to how you can build a career that you can be more passionate about.

A great first step as you begin exploring the possibilities for a passionate career is identifying your building blocks. Take a look at the things that you have really loved doing over the course of your life and break them down into the reasons ~why~.

When you say "I'm passionate about " or "I love doing _ that's not really the complete picture. Whether you're conscious of it or not, what you really mean is "I love doing _____ because _____, _____, and _____."

You identify your building blocks by exploring those underlying characteristics. Having an understanding of those characteristics can open up a whole new world of potential.

It's like an erector set for your career. Once you have the basic pieces, you can start taking a look at all the different things they could be when they come together.

Thinking about the ~what~ of the things we love doing tends to have a limiting effect. For example, let's say you're passionate about travel photography. OK, so what can you do with that knowledge? It seems to suggest one possible path.  Be a travel photographer.

Exploring the ~why~, on the other hand, expands your horizons, providing the raw material to help you look further. It yields the building blocks that you can look at and ask, "what other kinds of opportunities incorporate those elements?"

So instead of "I'm passionate about travel photography," you dig into the reasons why and find out that "I'm passionate about travel photography because it gives me a medium for exploration. And for discovery. It helps me constantly find new ways of seeing things. And it encourages me to connect with people in a way I otherwise wouldn't."

So the juice doesn't just come from taking pictures in exotic locales. It comes from exploration and discovery, and connecting with people, and seeing things in new ways. For another person, it might be something else entirely.

You can also use those building blocks to evaluate existing opportunities. Let's say you're in the job search, and are trying to decide whether a particular job is a good fit for you. With your list of underlying characteristics of the things you love doing, you can take a look at that job opportunity and say, "Does it have these elements?" If not, it's a pretty good bet that you won't be happy there for the long term.

Your building blocks are there already - you just need to uncover them and put them to use. You may be surprised where they take you.

 

As a Passion Catalyst (sm), Curt Rosengren helps people identify their passions and create careers that ignite them. He works with individuals, conducts workshops, and speaks on passion-focused topics. He also publishes PassionKey (sm), an online newsletter dedicated to helping you live your passion.

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Engineering Jobs In Oil And Gas

Engineering jobs in oil and gas are very sought after by job seekers and there seems to be a hot demand for engineers who have the relevant degree and experience from all over the world. Engineering jobs are well paid and well respected. The Middle East will only take job seekers who have some form of certification and people who hold degrees are favoured.

Engineers are needed for pretty much every stage of the industries extraction process. As the industry has looked at technology to improve its process and to make the job environment safer, it has had to have engineers to design and implement changes to its stages.

As the industry has grown so has its job availability diversified. Today engineers for renewable energy are required. As the industry faces new problems it automatically creates new roles for what needs to be filled.

Despite a bad rap in recent years that the oil and gas companies have taken they are still moving forward. New methods and processes are continually being applied to get the most out of oil and gas extraction methods. Shale extraction once considered expensive is now becoming a viable way of producing oil. An exciting thing about the industry is that countries never really associated with oil or gas extraction are now starting to tap into their natural reserve. Therefore specialised individuals are being needed everywhere.

The Middle East takes in a vast amount of expat engineers and expat engineering jobs has become a term on itself as countries have to look outside of their own country for people who have the relevant education and experience. Expats find themselves making a lot of money working in foreign countries and many enjoy the lifestyle of working hard for 6 months and taking the other 6 off.

Another big aspect to the oil and gas industry is the possibility to work offshore. Offshore rigs are a plenty and offer big salaries for individuals who are willing to put up with the discomforts of working offshore. Working schedules for offshore work on a turn basis of anything like one month on for one month off. This can be longer or shorter and will depend on the contract.

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Cover Letters: More Helpful Hints

Sell yourself.

We're not talking about Amsterdam's Red Light District. We're talking about finding a job. Cover letters are your first sales pitch to potential employers. Remember that employers receive hundreds of resumes and cover letters from people that are applying for the job YOU want. Your goal is to stand out from the other candidates. A good cover letter introduces you to an employer and explains why you are one of the best candidates applying for a job with the organization. It should motivate the employer to read your resume and hopefully invite you to interview for a position you are seeking.

What does a cover letter do? Basically, it expands on your resume and lets you write about yourself in a more personal way. Cover letters don't have to be stiff and formal--avoid the "rubber stamp" letter. The voice behind the letter should be warm, friendly and genuine. Employers want to hire real people, not robots. Although your letter should reflect your personality, always keep your audience in mind. Catchy opening sentences are wonderful for creative jobs in communications and advertising, but Wall Street might not appreciate it. Before you send out your cover letter, show it to someone in the industry to get feedback.

Ten Basic Rules:

1. Type each letter or use a computerized cover letter service so each letter looks individually typed.
2. Use 8 1/2" x 11" bond paper that matches your resume.
3. Address each employer by name and title. Never send a "Dear Sir/Madam" letter-- it's too impersonal.
4. Send your letter to the highest-ranked official possible so that it will receive immediate attention.
5. Check for grammar and spelling errors. This letter is the first example of your writing skills and how you present yourself.
6. Keep your letter short (three to five paragraphs) to hold the reader's interest.
7. Start your letter with a strong, attention-grabbing sentence.
8. Mention past experience along with recent accomplishments.
9. Convince the company that they want you and need you. Propose a mutually beneficial association with that employer.
10. Have an aggressive closing paragraph and state a specific action, i.e., I will call you in ten days to set up an interview. P.S.: It is important to keep a record of all your correspondence and what stage each application is in.

Purpose & Strategies

• •   Your cover letter is more than likely the first contact you will have with a potential
      employer. If it is well-written, your letter will lead the reader to your resume. If your letter is
      poorly written or produced, the employer may not even take time to review your resume
      and your application has a good chance of ending in the circular file.
• •   When you prepare the cover letter put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager. If you
      were doing the hiring, what attributes would the ideal candidate for this job possess? You
      probably would prefer that the person has work experience similar to, or at least
      applicable to, the position he or she is applying for. You would want the ideal candidate
      to be ambitious and anxious to contribute his or her energy and skills to the success of
      your organization. The perfect candidate would demonstrated interest in, and knowledge
      of, your particular company or organization. In short, you would want to hire an energetic,
      dedicated and skilled candidate.
• •   The cover letter affords the opportunity for you to present yourself as the perfect candidate.
      Imagine your cover letter as a marketing tool, much like a television commercial. Effective
      commercials catch your attention by highlighting only the most attractive features of a
      product.
• •   Highlight your most attractive features as a potential employee. Remember, employers
      typically receive hundreds of applications for each job opening. No one is going to waste
      time reading through a long letter crammed with text. Be brief. You should avoid detailing
      your entire work history. The best way to distinguish yourself is to highlight one or two of
      your accomplishments or abilities that show you are an above-average candidate for the
      position. Stressing only a few unique attributes increases your chances of being
      remembered by the recruiter and getting to the interview stage, where you can elaborate
      on the rest of your accomplishments.
• •   Taking time to research each employer promises to be much more effective than sending
      out hundreds of form letters. In effect, you are saying to employers, "This is where I want
      to work. I have done my research and I am confident in my decision."

More Cover Letter Tips

• •   Never send out a resume without a cover letter.
• •   Address your cover letter specifically to the person by name and title who will most likely
      be interviewing for the job you have in mind.
• •   Call the employer's switchboard to ask for this information.
• •   If you are answering a blind newspaper advertisement- one in which the employer is not
      specified- you can address your letter "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Hiring
      Manager."
• •   The cover letter should be neat, contain no typos, misspellings or errors in grammar.
      Employers judge you on your ability to communicate and your ability to manage the
      presentation of information. A cover letter does both.
• •   Use 8 1/2 x 11 paper allowing a border of at least one inch. This allows space for the
      reader to make notes.
• •   Use the same quality paper as your resume. Match envelope as well.
• •   Use a clear type face large enough to allow easy reading. Avoid script and other exotic
      typefaces.
• •   Individualize your cover letter. Each cover letter you write will have a somewhat different
      slant, depending on what skills are important to the needs of the particular employer.
• •   Whenever possible, do some research on the organization or company before you write
      your cover letter.
• •   Read annual reports or product brochures or by contacting people in the organization.
• •   Keep it to three or four paragraphs and no longer than one page.
• •   Always close your cover letter with a request for an interview.
• •   Suggest a specific time or reason, such as: "I will be in your area next week and would
      appreciate the opportunity for an interview on Tuesday or Wednesday."
• •   Be assertive.
• •   Make a record and keep a copy of each letter and resume you send.

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Get Amazing Results! Resume Distribution Increases Job Leads

What good is the best resume if it is never seen? You are competing with millions of other resumes in cyberspace and in the real world. How do you get your resume to stand out and even get an edge on the competition?

I have seen this problem time and time again. There are literally millions of resumes floating around in the U.S. Mail System and millions more posted on the internet. 

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For nearly every newspaper want-ad, there are hundreds of resumes that are mailed in. After a while, all these resumes tend to look like junk mail to the hiring manager, and after the decision has been made, they Really are considered junk mail.

Even worse is the proliferation of online job hunting and resume banks. Your resume is sitting in some digital library with millions of others, and you are hoping for it to be picked up during a keyword search.

Finally, you have heard the story of the top companies, especially the Fortune 500 companies, getting anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 resumes a month! Well, it is true that these days many people fax, mail, and e-mail their resumes everywhere, hoping that it gets seen.

Do you really want your resume in competition with these? If so, you are already guaranteeing yourself a slim chance at getting that top, high-paying job.

THERE IS A BETTER WAY.

How would you like to send your resume and cover letter to hundreds of recruiters instantly? That is right. Take a proactive, results-oriented approach with minimal effort.

ResumeMessenger.com - The Internet's #1 Resume Distribution System

Recruiters With Great Jobs Are Waiting For Your Resume Right Now!

Now you, too, can harness the power of the internet to speed up your job search with just a few clicks. You already have your resume, so in just a few simple steps you can start having recruiters calling you with jobs meeting your requirements.

The power of ResumeMessenger.com:

• •   Puts your resume in the hands of hundreds of recruiters within 24 hours
• •   Speeds up and energizes your job search with little effort on your part
• •   Get an instant edge - these recruiters have contacts and direct access to hiring
      managers, unadvertised jobs, other recruiters with open jobs, and much more
• •   Ability to send it only to recruiters focusing on your industry/job categories
• •   Save time, money, and all the hassle - never have to touch a piece of paper
• •   Exposure of your resume beyond your imagination - increase your job leads
• •   It really works! It worked for thousands of job seekers. Let it work for you

How To Choose The Best Resume Format

When designed properly, your resume can be a powerful component of your job search arsenal. When created carelessly, it could actually impair your job search. Crafting a poorly designed resume is one of the worst blunders a job hunter can make; unfortunately it is also one of the most common mistakes made. Think about it. Do you want the very first thing an employer evaluates you on to be less than effective?

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The easiest thing to do is just open Microsoft Word, choose a resume template and start filling in the blanks; that could be the start of your troubles. Those templates are great guides and look beautiful, but they may take you down the wrong path.

This article covers the three basic types of "resumes". Use this article as a guide to help select which resume format is best for you.

THE CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME
QUESTION: What is it?

ANSWER:
Hopefully, the name gives you a clue about the format of the Chronological Resume. It is simply an organization of job titles and corresponding responsibilities from your current or most recent position to the oldest relevant one you held.

QUESTION: How can I make it effective?

ANSWER:
Employers absolutely love this style of resume. When written properly, the Chronological Resume can be clear, straight-forward and most importantly, easy to scan. (Remember, hiring managers are notoriously short on time!) Since employers initially only give most resumes a quick once-over, being able to make a strong first impression is crucial. This format is direct and factual, which is a tremendous help to a person sorting through a slew of resumes.

QUESTION: Who should use it?

ANSWER:
Though appealing to employers, the chronological format is not for every applicant. Job seekers with a great deal of experience and a fluid job history benefit most from the Chronological Resume. However, people changing careers or lacking formal work experience (such as recent graduates) will find it difficult to create a resume in this format. They may find greater ease using the functional format discussed next.

THE FUNCTIONAL RESUME
QUESTION: What is it?

ANSWER:
The Functional Resume arranges your job history to highlight special skills and achievements. Great caution must be taken when using this format, because it can draw an unkind eye if done incorrectly.

QUESTION: How can I make it effective?

ANSWER:
The main complaint employer's have with Functional Resumes is not being able to match up skills with an actual job. Thankfully, this is an easy error to avoid. Every skill or accomplishment listed should have a company name and job description listed under it. Remember, the Functional Resume highlights your achievement, but employers still care about experience and dates. You can only benefit from a Functional Resume, if you use it in a way that meets 

Important Tax Tips For Job Seekers

That dreaded date is approaching very quickly. April 15th is just around the corner, which means it is time to file those tax returns. When economic conditions are tough, the last thing anyone wants to do is pay taxes. Luckily, you could be better off than you realize.

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There are some very favorable rules embedded in the tax code for job seekers. When dealing with taxes, sometimes it pays to be between jobs.
This article briefly discusses some of the possible tax benefits for the unemployed. These are just tips that you may want to look into, please talk to a tax expert before filing your return. Don't pay more than you have to!
The following topics will be covered:

• 1. Basic Tax Deductions
• 2. The Big Bucks
• 3. Playing It Safe

1. Basic Tax Deductions
Many of the costs associated with a job search can be deducted from your income. As long as you are not entering the job market for the first time, searching for work in a different field of employment, or returning to work from a long spell of unemployment, many typical job search costs are tax deductible. Individually these costs can be small, but they can add up very quickly. Eligible expenses may include:

1. Phone calls and faxing fees
2. Costs for typing, printing, and mailing resumes
3. Employment agency fees
4. Ad space in newspapers, trade magazines, or on web sites
5. Traveling costs for job interviews (This does not just include airfare or public transportation. The costs of driving to an interview can be deducted on a mileage basis.)

The list continues on, but you get the picture.
The 2 most important things to remember are:

1. These expenses are only deductible if you itemize them.
2. Only job search expenses exceeding 2% of your adjusted gross income are tax deductible. (please check with a tax expert on the finer details)

2. The Big Bucks $$
The deductions don't begin and end with your minor expenses. As well as the small costs of printing, postage, etc, large expenses associated with the job hunt can also be deducted. The two primary "major expenses" are as follows:

1. EDUCATION - If you went back to school before taking a new job, your educational expenses can be curbed with tax deductions. Based on your adjusted gross income, you could be eligible for deductions of up to $3,000.
2. MOVING - Once you have finally found that new job, some of your moving expenses may be deducted for tax purposes. The only eligible expenses are ones that your current employer did not already cover. Furthermore, moving costs for a new job are only deductible if your new place of work is at least 50 miles from your old home. If these requirements are met, things like packing costs, mileage expenses, parking fees, tolls, and lodging while traveling are all tax deductible.

3. Playing It Safe
Tax deductions can be very tricky and very tempting. The worst idea you could get into your head is to start being a risk taker when it comes to your tax return. You may not always get caught bending the truth, but if you do, the IRS will have very little sympathy. Deductions related to the job search may also raise a bright red flag to the IRS. These types of expenses tend to get examined more thoroughly than others. So as you file your return, keep these things in mind:

1. Don't get creative and try to pile on expenses that are not truly exclusive to your job search. For example, a new suit may be needed for interviews, but its usefulness is not strictly confined to your job search.
2. Save your receipts. In the case that your deductions do draw suspicion, you can save yourself a lot of pain, time, and money if you have proof of all your expenses.
3. CHECK WITH AN EXPERT. We here at Worktree.com are job search experts, not tax accountants. Before you file a return with new types of deductions, it would be smart to get professional advice. 

How To Master Telephone Interviews

Don't be afraid to pick up the phone! The telephone interview is by far becoming more and more popular. Many job hunters still get that adrenalin rush even with the phone interviews. But following the tips and advice in this article will help you master the phone interview and get you to the next step - the face to face interview.

Often, the first step in the hiring process is the telephone interview.

Companies and the recruiters they employ use the telephone interview to develop a pool of candidates to look at closer, and to pare down the number of applicants for a job opening. 

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The advantages to the company are:

• •   the cost is less.
• •   the list of questions can be standardized.
• •   the interview can be delegated to a lower level (cheaper) employee.
• •   it can be done quickly.

The aims on both sides of the telephone are limited. The caller wants a selection of qualified candidates, and the process screens out many candidates. If the call is a straightforward screening call, the caller will likely ask about your experience, availability and salary requirements. Your strategy is to provide facts that support your resume, with some context about your performance. Try using numbers and facts to be effective, however, you don't want to volunteer anything that could disqualify you . Make every effort to sound professional but not personal, as this call is not to establish rapport.

Since you are unlikely to win the job from a telephone interview, your goal is to secure an in-person interview with the person who has the authority to hire. Approach the call with that attitude.

Managing the Telephone Interview

Try to reschedule surprise interviews. Say that you have a conflict and suggest a time you can call back. When you call back, be prepared for the call just as you would for a full-dress interview.

Have ready

• •   pen and paper, a calculator
• •   the job ad and the resume and cover letter which you sent in response to the ad.
• •   a list of your accomplishments which relate to the job you are discussing.
• •   research you have done on the company.
• •   a short list of questions about the job.
• •   your calendar.

The Techniques of a Pro

• •   Smile - it comes through in your voice.
• •   Speak directly into the phone.
• •   Don't smoke, chew gum, eat or drink anything. It all telegraphs to your listener.
• •   Stand up. Your voice sounds stronger.
• •   Avoid ah, er, hum. This habit is especially noticeable on the telephone. This takes
      practice. So practice.

For a winning performance

• •   Confirm the caller's name and company. Get the caller's telephone number.
• •   Be aware that the caller can't see you - can't see your hand gestures, can't see you
      taking notes.
• •   Pace the call. Let the caller do most of the talking, without interruptions.
• •   Do use the technique of repeating or re-phrasing questions. It tells the caller that you
      listened carefully, and gives you time to think about your answer.
• •   Avoid the simple yes or no; add selling points at every opportunity.
• •   If you need time to think, say so - as in radio, silence during a telephone conversation is
      dead air time.
• •   Compensation issues come at the end of the interviewing cycle, never at the telephone
      stage. You can truthfully say you don't know enough about the job to state a salary figure.
      And, of course, you would need a personal interview to really talk with the company.
    Which is another way to go for the personal interview. Re-affirm your qualifications,
    express your interest in the job and the company. Say you would appreciate the
    opportunity to talk about the job further - in person.

 

Mastering The Meal Interview

1. MIND YOUR MANNERS
It may seem unnecessary to mention, but those basic table manners you were taught as a child still matter. In casual settings, poor manners are not always corrected. Therefore, you could have picked up some habits that your mother would be ashamed of and more likely than not, your interviewer probably will not be too be impressed by them either.

Here are just a few of the habits you should be mindful of during a meal interview: 

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• •   BE POLITE. In addition to evaluating your answers to questions, an interviewer is also
      assessing your personality. Be courteous and respectful to everyone,
      especially the wait staff. Words such as "please" and "thank you" speak worlds about
      your character.
• •   BE AWARE. Keeping you elbows on the table, chewing with your mouth open, talking
      with your mouth full all convey a negative impression. Pay attention to even
      your smallest actions.
• •   BE PREPARED. If you feel uncertain about your table manners, consult the experts.
      Emily Post's books on etiquette are considered to be among the
      definitive works on etiquette. There is no shame in doing research; after all, this is an
      interview.

2. THE DISH DILEMMA
Even though you are being treated to a nice meal, you are not free to order any dish you like. You are in an interview, and therefore, you have the duty of maintaining a certain level of professionalism and formality throughout the meal.

There are no definitive rules of food selection, and you may have to make a game-time decision. However, following these rules will help you steer clear of trouble:

• •   AVOID MESSES. Steer clear of foods that have to be eaten with your hands or have a
      tendency to splatter. It is hard to recover from the embarrassment of
      splashing your interviewer with spaghetti sauce, nor do you want to inadvertently adorn
      yourself with gravy or cream sauce. So stick to foods that can be cut into small pieces
      with a knife and fork.
• •   NO STENCHES. Avoid foods that have a strong or unpleasant order. You are better off
      having an interviewer not remember you at all rather than as the
      candidate with bad breath. So no matter how much you love onions and garlic, lay off
      the stinkers for one meal.
• •   KEEP IT QUIET. You need to be able to conduct a civil conversation. Avoid foods that are
      crunchy and noisy to eat. In a public setting there is a lot of noise that
      could drown out the voice of a person sitting across from you so try not to order food that
      would add to the problem.
• •   FOLLOW THE LEADER. You may be wondering if a menu item is priced too high or if to
      order an appetizer first, etc. The answer is to follow your interviewer's lead.
      Try to order food in the same price range as the interviewer and order the same number
      of courses. You do not want to be sitting idle while the recruiter is still eating.

3. CONSUME AND CONVERSE
You are at an interview and also dining out. This means you need to not only be talking, but also eating. It can sometimes be difficult to do both.

Try and keep these issues in mind when posed with the challenge of eating and talking at the same time:

• •   YOU ARE IN CONTROL. Don't feel so pressured to talk that you don't eat at all. This can
      be interpreted as nervousness.
• •   ASK QUESTIONS. When going to an interview, it is always a good idea to have
      questions. This will allow you get more information on the company and
      show that you have done your homework. During the meal interview, it
      will also give you the opportunity to actually eat as your interviewer responds to your
      questions.

4. FINISHING WITH A BANG
Unlike that of a standard interview, the end of a meal interview does not just end with a handshake and a "Thank You". There are other things to keep in mind including:

• •   DON'T OFFER TO PAY. It's never expected of a job candidate, and you don't need to do
      it.
• •   NEVER ASK FOR A DOGGY BAG. No matter how delicious the meal was, requesting to
      take a portion of it home is not appropriate for the setting.
• •   REAFFIRM YOUR INTEREST. Let the interviewer know how much you would like to work
      for his/her company.
• •   A "Thank You" AND HANDSHAKE CAN'T HURT. As in any interview, don't forget to thank
•     the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. In addition, be sure to
•     be gracious and say that you enjoyed the meal and end the interview with a firm
•     handshake. Make sure to follow up with a thank you letter in the morning. 

Tips For Writing Thank You Letters

It is proper business etiquette to send thank you letters, but many people overlook this matter of courtesy. A thank you letter can make you stand out from the other candidates competing for jobs, and in this tight job market, it is wise to consider every tool that will give you an advantage. 

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To be effective, a thank you note should be sent before the hiring decision has been made, so it is best to mail it as soon as possible after the interview. When you send a thank you letter, you give the interviewer a chance to remember you (imagine having interviewed 10-15 candidates for a position, and then trying to distinguish each one after the interviews and trying to remember the specifics about each person). It is your opportunity to mention any important information you forgot to discuss during the interview.

A thank you letter allows you to explain, restate, or clear up any potential misunderstandings. In addition, you can redirect your marketing campaign by focusing on something that you learned during the interview and re-emphasizing your strengths, accomplishments, and skills. Sending a thank you letter shows the interviewer that you are a professional who is concerned about details. In the end, the thank you letter is your last chance to leave a good impression!

There are several situations that require a thank you letter:

• •   After an employment interview
• •   When someone provides you with job search assistance such as referring you to an
      employer, providing a network contact, or speaking on your behalf to a prospective
      employer
• •   After an informational interview, company visit, or other career exploration activity

Try to follow these hints when writing thank you letters:

• •   Keep your letters short and simple - usually one page is enough.
• •   Help the interviewer remember you by referring to specific points discussed in your
      interview: show that you were listening and mention something that will
      refresh the interviewer's memory of you
• •   Be sure your letters are professional, for example: typed, no errors, on quality paper, etc.
• •   Send your letter within one day - do not put it off!
• •   Emphasize your qualifications, especially those that are most relevant to the position
• •   Provide any information that was overlooked during the interview or that which was
      specifically requested by the interviewer
• •   Express your continued interest and enthusiasm for the position
• •   Remember, very few people bother to send thank you letters - this can be your edge!

Generally, your thank you letters should include the following information:

First paragraph:

• •   Thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you (mention the date).
      Remind him/her of the position for which you interviewed.

Second paragraph:

• •   Restate your interest in the position and the company/school/organization. Mention
•     something you learned from the interview or comment on something of importance
•     that you discussed. Again, emphasize your strengths, experiences, skills,
•     accomplishments and slant them towards the points that the interviewer considered the
•     most important for the position.