In an interview, it is important to show interest in the position for which you are applying. As an interviewer, I don’t want to walk away from an interview thinking, “Does this person really want this job?” Express your interest, show them that you want the position and are willing to work hard for it. [wpvideo 1HoXYK8n]
According to a recent U-T San Diego article, the saga of the long-term unemployed continues, with millions of Americans still unable to find new jobs in a timely manner. The article profiles two San Diegans who are among the 5 million Americans who have been unemployed more than 27 weeks. Significant gaps in work history have led employers to become hesitant about hiring a job candidate without a consecutive employment history. In fact, the article reports that some employers won’t even consider an applicant who doesn’t have a job. For this reason, it is important to minimize these gaps when applying for a job. Consider using a functional resume format to emphasize your skills and accomplishments, rather than the familiar chronological resume that focuses on dates.
Over the past few years, I have witnessed a growing trend of increased educational and technical requirements for workers across a number of different job sectors. A new survey from the Society for Human Resource Management and Achieve found that, compared to 10 years ago, there are more jobs with specific technical requirements and a higher education level required for most jobs. The survey also found the industries that will require higher education levels three to five years down the line include manufacturing, health, high-tech, state and local government and professional services. If you are considering a career path in any of these industries, it is important for you to research what educational requirements, such as an associate degree or post-secondary certificate, you will be expected to possess. To read the full survey findings, visit: http://www.shrm.org/Research/SurveyFindings/Articles/Pages/ChangingEmployee-Skills-Education.aspx.
This week on Good Morning San Diego we talked about knowing when it is time to leave your current job. What kinds of things should you be on the look out for? How do you go about making the transition professionally and respectfully?[wpvideo hpTGX01P]
The U-T San Diego recently reported on a study that found a hiring bias against unemployed people. The study had 47 human resource professionals review resumes for an imaginary marketing manager position and then rate them based on desirability of hiring. The study found that applicants who were currently employed received much higher, positive ratings than those applications who were currently unemployed, despite having matching experience, qualifications and skill sets. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself from this bias. This U-T San Diego article offers some great ideas worth pursuing if you are unemployed:
http://local.utsandiego.com/news/2012/aug/29/unemployed-face-hiring-bias-heres-what-do/
This week on KUSI’s Good Morning San Diego, I talk about the important role nonverbal communication plays in a job interview. When interviewing, nonverbal communication and body language are just as important as the words you say. To make a good first impression, it is critical to have your nonverbal communication messages match your verbal messages. In the segment, I point out that many job interviewees may not even be aware of the nonverbal communication messages they are conveying to potential employers, such as nervously nodding, staring and crossing your arms. I also stress the importance of a good first handshake as well as provide some practice recommendations to ensure your nonverbal communication will be in check for your next interview.
UC San Diego recently released the fourth edition of its annual jobs report, “Hot Careers for College Graduates.” The study used wage and employment information gathered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics to determine what constitutes a hot job for a college graduate in today’s highly competitive job market. The data revealed 18 major career sectors with strong employment potential in computer related, finance and medical fields. Furthermore, the findings indicated there is an increase national demand for college graduates with “hands on skills” in these three fields. Here is a list of the top ten jobs cited in the report:
For the full 2012 report, go to http://extension.ucsd.edu/specialreports.
Here are some great tips for those people that are currently employed but want to better themselves as employees and ensure job security. These simple tips will not only increase your job security, they could also lead to a raise or promotion. UT San Diego
In hard economic times like these, networking can be one of, if not the most helpful and important things a job seeker can do. Referrals are huge. My time is much better spent calling people I know and trust asking, “Do you know anybody that would be right for this job?”, rather than sifting through hundreds of resumes. In his article “San Diegans: How I got the Job”, UT San Diego writer Jonathan Horn tells the story of four local citizens that got their job thanks to someone they know. Take a look: UT San Diego
