Job Searching

If you're thinking about changing jobs, you can use professional networking site LinkedIn to help transition (carefully) to a new job.  How can you get noticed by prospective employers?

First of all, you will need to make sure that your LinkedIn profile is complete and detailed. You should consider your LinkedIn profile your online resume.

Your profile should have all the same information that is on your resume including experience, education and skills. Every area of expertise you add to the Skills & Expertise section of your profile makes you easier to find by companies that are hiring.

That's just for starters.  There's even more you can do to make yourself a compelling candidate for employment. Krista Canfield, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications at LinkedIn suggests building a profile that attracts hiring managers. For example:

• Fill out your full work experience
• Ban the buzzwords
• Add a photo
• Get connected to a minimum of 50 trusted contacts
• Be active on LinkedIn--it's used as a recruiting tool by 75 of the Fortune 100 companies
• Sign up to job opportunities delivered to your in box

If you're careful, you will be able to quietly job search without drawing your current employer's attention to the fact that you're job hunting. Here's more on confidential job searching.

As far as your LinkedIn profile, if you're new to LinkedIn or want to spiff up your profile and need some tips, here's a step-by-step guide on what to include in your LinkedIn profile.

More: Get Started on LinkedIn | Your LinkedIn Profile

There are employment websites that offer many of the components of the hiring process - from job applications to video interviews.   Now, new site SparkHire.com is offering an all-in-one hiring solution which includes all the steps in the recruiting process from posting jobs for companies and posting a profile for candidates to online live interviews.

Spark Hire features include:

• Profiles: Online Profiles for job seekers which highlight skills, education, experience, etc.
• Profile Video: A 60 second profile video.
• Job Posting and Profiles: job posting and profiles for companies.
• Search and Apply for Jobs: Search and apply for multiple jobs in just a few clicks.
• Candidate Selection: Companies can view and select candidates to interview.
• Spotlight Interviews: Recorded screening interviews.
• Live Online Interviews: Job Interviews can be conducted live online via webcams.

How Spark Hire Works

Spark Hire is available for job seekers, consultants and companies. The site incorporates high quality video features for creating online candidate and company profiles and for recorded and live interviewing.

Companies can post jobs, watch applicant Profile Videos and conduct live Online Interviews with leading candidates. Job seekers and consultants can search for, view and apply for jobs. Candidates will receive real-time notifications of jobs that match their automated search criteria. Companies can view the Profiles and Video of candidates, then select those applicants they would like to interview.

Interviewing options for companies include Spotlight Interviews which consist of ending candidates a few questions.  Candidates respond to questions by recording answers via webcam. Hiring manager can review a candidate's responses their convenience and even share it with colleagues.

More in-depth Live Interviews involves split screen online interviews with candidates.

Spark Hire is currently free for job seekers, consultants and companies.

More Information: SparkHire.com

Read More: Video Resumes | Video Interviews

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Are you looking for romance? One place you may be able to find it is at work.  There are some jobs where you will be more likely to find love than others.

The top jobs for romance include jobs where there is a lot of interaction with others, which makes sense.  The more people you meet, the more opportunities you have to find a potential partner.   Here's more on the top jobs for people for looking for romance from CareerCast.com:

Top Jobs for Romance

Hotel Guest Service Agent: While working in a hotel, you'll be exposed to many single professionals who may be there for business. It's your job to make their stay a good one, and they'll certainly take notice of you.

Bartender: Bartending will put your listening skills to the test and surround you with plenty of single people trying to get your attention.

Flight Attendant: As a flight attendant, your potential mate could be traveling for a business trip or a quick getaway. You will get the chance to have at least a couple of hours to make an impression as you work the aisles.  

Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer: Being sociable here is actually a job requirement, and this imperative takes away the need for an icebreaker. 

Retail Sales Specialist: You will never be short of opportunities to flash that winning smile as you say, "Can I help you?" or "Did you find everything you needed?" Nothing takes the edge off of an introduction than being required to talk to people who walk into the store.

Pharmaceutical Representative: Where else can you have the opportunity to talk with lots of medical professionals and speak their language?  Though some days it can be tough to find time to fit into a doctor's schedule, you can bring lunch to doctors' offices, and talk to the staff over tacos.

Dance Instructor: Reality shows have made dance classes all the rage, and teaching one will allow you to dust-off your inner tango skills. It's also a great place to check out each other's moves and to innocently gaze into each other's eyes.

Do keep in mind that it's important to be careful when seeking romance on the job. Be aware of company policy regarding dating other employees or customers.   You don't want to have to start looking for a new job because you lost your job because of a romantic relationship at work.  Here's how to handle an office romance.

Read More: Job Listings | Top Job Search Engines

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Unemployment Extension Update: 02/13/12:  The extension of federal extended unemployment benefits programs and the payroll tax cut are set to expire at the end of February.  Unless the extension is renewed unemployed workers will not be able to move to the next tier of Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC).

Congress is holding meetings to discuss continuing federal unemployment benefits through the end of 2012.  However, if an agreement is reached, there may be a cut in the maximum number of weeks provided under extended benefits.

Important: Check your State Unemployment Office website for details on who qualifies for extended benefits and when and how benefits will be paid.  Check the "Extended Benefits" section for information.

Avoid Scams:  The only way you can file for extended benefits is through your state unemployment office.  You cannot apply for benefits on third party websites, even if they say they will file for you.  Here's how to avoid unemployment scams. 

Unemployment Benefits for 2012
Here's more information on unemployment benefits that are currently in place for 2012.

Share Your Story

• Share Your Unemployment Story

Video: Extended Unemployment Benefits

Read More: Unemployment Benefits | Unemployment Extension 2012 | How to File for Unemployment |  Avoid Unemployment Scams | Extended Unemployment Benefits

Update  February 13, 2012: Legislation to continue federal extended unemployment benefits which expire at the end of February is being discussed in Congress and it appears that an agreement is close.

However, if unemployment is extended, there may be a cut in the number of weeks provided - which is currently a maximum of 99 weeks, depending on your state.   Republicans in Congress will again push for benefit cuts.  Here's how to ask your Members of Congress to fully extend unemployment benefits for the remainder of 2012.

If extended benefits are not renewed both Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC)  and Extended Benefits (EB)  will expire and unemployed workers will no longer be able to move to the next tier of benefits. 

Important: Check your State Unemployment Office website for details on who qualifies for extended benefits and when and how benefits will be paid.  Check the "Extended Benefits" section for information.

Avoid Unemployment Scams
 The only way you can file for extended benefits is through your state unemployment office.  You cannot apply for benefits on third party websites, even if they say they will file for you.  Here's how to avoid unemployment scams. 

More Information
If you have run out of unemployment or are about to lose your unemployment benefits, here's what to do when unemployment runs out.

If you're out of work, please add your story to our collection:

• Share Your Unemployment Story
• Read Unemployed Worker Stories

Video: Extended Unemployment Benefits

Read More:  Unemployment Benefits | Unemployment Extension | Extended Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment Extension Update: 02/13/12:  Federal extended unemployment benefits expire at the end of February.  Reports indicate that Congress is close to reaching an agreement that would continue extended benefits through the end of the year. However, there may be some cuts in the maxium weeks of benefits.

Here's how to ask your Members of Congress to renew full extended benefit coverage, without cutbacks, for the rest of the year.

Important: Your State Unemployment Office website will have details on who qualifies for extended benefits and when and how benefits will be paid soon. Check the "Extended Benefits" section for information.

If you have run out of unemployment or are about to lose your unemployment benefits, here's what to do when unemployment runs out.

Share Your Unemployment Story

• Share Your Unemployment Story
• Read Unemployed Worker Stories

Video: Extended Unemployment Benefits

Read More: Unemployment Extension | Unemployment Compensation | What To Do When Unemployment Runs Out | Avoid Unemployment Scams | Unemployment Extension 2012

Last time I wrote about lying on your resume, I got a variety of responses, both for and against lying to get a job:

• People who get ahead are the ones who take some educated risks.
• Let's be real, if a CEO can get away with being hired and working for years with lying on resume so should any of us.
• Lying on a resume is just plain dumb. The trend seems to be to check an applicant's references out more and more, unless you are a burger flipper.
• Lying on resumes, regardless of your status, just does not cut it!

I don't think anyone should lie on their resume - even white lies that "only" stretch the truth. There is a good possibility that it will come back to haunt you. Is it worth taking the chance of not getting a job or getting fired later on?

Here's an example. I received an email from someone who had just received a job offer from a company where he had always wanted to work. It was the job of his dreams.

He didn't think about reference checking though and had fudged the dates of his last couple of jobs to cover a resume gap. He was in absolutely panic and trying to come up with a story to cover the "mistake" on his resume. He decided to be honest with the hiring manager, and was lucky that he kept his job offer, but that's not always how it works out.

More: Resume Tips | Resume Samples | How to Email a Resume

When you're creating profiles on social media sites like LinkedIn, Twitter and Google+ it's important to add a photo to your profiles.  If I'm making a decision on whether to connect with someone, I always hesitate if there's no photo.

Adding a photo will enhance your professional image and will let those networking connections who you don't get to meet in person connect a face to a name.

When you're using sites for professional and career networking, nobody wants to see a blank avatar where your photo should be. And your picture should be a photo, not a cartoon, a random graphic you happen to like, or a cute image of your kids or dogs or anything else. Your photo should be a headshot and should be appropriate for professional connections to view.

It's also a good idea to be consistent across all your online profiles, if you use the same themes and photos you will be able to create a strong personal - and professional - brand.

Here's more on how to add a photo to your LinkedIn profile and some examples of online profiles.

Read More: How to Create Online Profiles | How to Create a Professional Brand

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Who should you address a cover letter to when no contact name is listed in a job posting?

If the contact person is unknown, and many employers deliberately don't include a name when they advertise jobs because they don't want applicants contacting the hiring manager, you can use a general saluation or leave off the salutation from your cover letter and start with the first paragraph of your letter.

There are a variety of cover letter salutations you can use to address your letter. Employers who responded to a recent employer survey conducted by Saddleback College preferred:

• Dear Hiring Manager (40%)
• To whom it may concern (27%)
• Dear Sir/Madam (17%)
• Dear Human Resources Director (6%)
• Leave it blank (8%)

Here's more information on how to address a cover letter when you don't have a name to include or when you're not sure of the hiring manager's gender.

Related: What to Include in a Cover Letter | Top 10 Cover Letter Tips

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Taking a career test is a little like playing "what do you want to be when you grow up?" with a twist. The twist is that personality tests and career aptitude tests can give you ideas about what you possibly should do rather than you simply pondering what you want to do. It's also fun to see the options for your future.

There are a variety of online free career tests you can take, so spend a few minutes and see what could be your new career!

What do you think? Do you have ideas about what you might want to be when you grow up? And even if you are grownup already, it's never to late to think about what you want to do next in your career.  In fact, I just saw an AARP commercial focused on what you want to do when you grow up!

Here's advice on deciding what you want to be when you grow up, along with tips on when and how to decide about career options.

How about you? Let us know What You Want to Be When You Grow Up and take a look at the types of jobs and careers other About.com readers are interested in.

Read More: What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? | Career Tests | Career Aptitude Tests

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The Social Jobs Partnership is a coalition of Facebook, employment service non-profits, and the U.S. Department of Labor. Partners include Facebook, the U.S. Department of Labor, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), DirectEmployers Association (DE), and the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA).

The Social Jobs Partnership Facebook page contains links to government run education programs, magazines for recent college graduates, and nonprofit sites for those seeking a career change. The Facebook page's wall contains helpful articles on using social networks to job search and video clips offering advice and tips.

The Social Jobs Partnership continues to develop job service initiatives; for example, the coalition plans to create systems for posting jobs on Facebook for free. The program is evolving into a comprehensive resource for job seekers of all backgrounds and experience levels, as well as a variety of employers.

More Info: Social Jobs Partnership Facebook Page

Read More: Job Search on Facebook

Working with a recruiter can be a good way to get additional exposure with companies that are hiring.  A recruiter can help market you candidacy for employment and help you secure a job interview.

Where do you start if you don't have a relationship with a recruiter?  Here's information on employment recruiters including types of recruiters, how to find a recruiter, how to select a recruiter and tips for working with recruiters.

Read More: Social Recruiting | How to Find a Recruiter | How to Select a Recruiter

Connect with Alison: Facebook | LinkedIn | Google+
Twitter @AboutJobSearch | @AlisonDoyle

When I was interviewing for one of my first jobs, the company wanted know if I was married, and wanted to meet with my husband to be sure he didn't mind the travel involved.

After I got the job, we had hiring criteria for the people who worked for me as part-time merchandisers, including being a married woman whose kids were in school, with time available mid-day to work, and who only needed supplemental income.

Back then, you didn't hear that much about discrimination, but, that was only one blatant example. Federal and state laws prohibit prospective employers from asking certain questions that are not related to the job they are hiring for. That doesn't mean you won't get asked, even today. There are still companies that aren't aware of the rules or will try and discover what they want to know, regardless of the law.

Here's more information on discriminatory interview questions, what hiring managers can ask, and what they shouldn't be asking candidates for employment, plus options for handling discriminatory interview questions.

Job Interview Resources

• Job Interview Questions
• Difficult Interview Questions
• Best Answers to Interview Questions
• Interview Thank You Letters

_{Photo © Andy Hwang}

Writing a good cover letter is one of the hardest parts of a job search. Your cover letter needs to be targeted, error free, and compelling, and it needs to make an impression in just the few seconds an employer will take to review it.

It's also important how you format your cover letter, especially when you're sending an email cover letter.

Here's how to write an effective cover letter, along with sample cover letters, formats, and examples.

Cover Letters

• Cover Letter Format
• Cover Letters
• Cover Letter Samples

Read More: Cover Letters | Cover Letter Samples

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When you apply for jobs the type of cover letter you will send with your resume depends on how you are applying for the job and what information the company is asking applicants to submit.

Here are cover letters examples, both written and email, that work for a variety of job applications and employment inquiries including cold contact cover letters, referral cover letters, customized cover letters, job promotion cover letters, networking outreach letters, and letters to inquired about unadvertised openings.

Related: Cover Letter Samples | Cover Letters | Cover Letters A - Z

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