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Alison Doyle

Job Searching August 2012 Archive

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BBQs, Beaches and Job Searching

Friday August 31, 2012
If you have a Labor Day BBQ on your agenda, are spending the holiday at the beach, or have other plans for the long weekend, don't be afraid to mix business and pleasure. If ... Read More

Hurricane Isaac Unemployment

Thursday August 30, 2012
As Isaac (hurricane #9 of the 2012 season and now downgraded to a tropical storm) impacts the Gulf Coast, workers who have lost or may lose their jobs, even temporarily, because of ... Read More

Job Interviews

Thursday August 30, 2012
Your phone rings or you get an email invitation to schedule a job interview.  Now what? Are you prepared to ace the interview? The best way to get ready for job ... Read More

Labor Day 2012 Twitter Chat

Thursday August 30, 2012
Do you have questions about extended unemployment benefits which are expiring at the end of the year, employment and job training programs for veterans and other job seekers, or other resources available from the Department ... Read More

Unemployment is Not 99 Weeks

Thursday August 30, 2012
I am getting frantic emails and comments on my blog posts from people who are running out of unemployment benefits and aren't sure why.  The reason is that what is ... Read More

Top 50 Interview Mistakes

Wednesday August 29, 2012
It's easy to make a mistake when you are at a job interview. In fact, sometimes you don't even know you're making a mistake. I've spoken to several job seekers ... Read More

Local Job Listings

Wednesday August 29, 2012
One of the questions I get asked on a regular basis is how to find local job listings. Job seekers who want to find a job close to home, don't want, ... Read More

Unemployment Work Requirements

Monday August 27, 2012
Unemployed workers need to be ready, willing and available to work.  In addition, there are job search requirements for unemployed workers that include searching for jobs, applying for jobs, and ... Read More

Part Time Job Opportunities

Monday August 27, 2012
When you're searching for part time job opportunities there are a variety of ways to expedite your job search, including using job search engines to narrow your search to just ... Read More

Connect With Companies on Social Media

Monday August 27, 2012
Whether you are actively job searching or positioning yourself so you're prepared to job search in the future, you can use social media to engage with employers and to find ... Read More

How to Help a Friend Job Search

Sunday August 26, 2012
I was reading an article about "acts of kindness" the other day and it started me thinking about ways to help job seekers in a difficult economy.  Job searching is really ... Read More

References With Job Applications

Sunday August 26, 2012
In the past, employers typically waited to ask job applicants for references until they were serious contenders for a job.  Now, many companies are asking applicants to provide a list of references ... Read More

Minimum Wage Increases for 2012

Saturday August 25, 2012
The minimum wage will increase in 2012 in eight states with minimum wages which adjust each year to keep pace with inflation.  Colorado, Montana, Ohio, Oregon, Arizona, Florida, Vermont and Washington announced increases ... Read More

Your LinkedIn Profile When You're Unemployed

Saturday August 25, 2012
George is just one of the job seekers who have written to me asking what they should put in their LinkedIn Profile when they are unemployed. It's definitely an issue because even though ... Read More

Who's Hiring You?

Friday August 24, 2012
Employers often, even though there are ethical questions about snooping on candidates, spend time checking out candidates to find out as much as possible about them.  That's why it's important to make sure ... Read More

How to Ace a Second Interview

Thursday August 23, 2012
If you have been fortunate enough to excel in your first or screening interview now is the time to prepare for the challenge of wowing your employer at your second ... Read More

Job Applications

Thursday August 23, 2012
Job applications can be tricky because there are so many different ways to apply for a job - you can apply online for jobs via a job board or direct at ... Read More

GiveBrand Free Personal Branding Tool

Thursday August 23, 2012
GiveBrand has launched a new free website which provides a way for job seekers to add a social twist to their resume, showcase their skills and help build their personal brand online. Users can demonstrate credibility and ... Read More

Harassment in the Workplace

Wednesday August 22, 2012
Yoli, an unemployed job seeker, describes the harassment in the workplace she was subjected to, "In these nearly 13 years I was verbally, emotionally, physically, and unlawfully abused but I could ... Read More

Back to School for Job Seekers

Wednesday August 22, 2012
Back to school isn't just for kids.  More and more adults are returning to school, either on a full-time basis or part-time to boost their career prospects. Regardless of how long ... Read More

References for Employment

Wednesday August 22, 2012
At some point during your job search, an employer will ask for your references. Typically, it will be when the company is seriously interested in you as a potential hire.   However, ... Read More

Gen Y at Work

Wednesday August 22, 2012
PayScale, Inc. and Millennial Branding have released a study on the state of the Gen Y worker (ages 18 to 29).   What's important to this generation of workers?  Flexibility, company culture and innovation, as ... Read More

Writing Thank You Letters

Tuesday August 21, 2012
The candidates for employment that make the best impression are the ones who take the time to say thank you after an interview. It doesn't take much time to send ... Read More

How Not to Dress for an Interview

Tuesday August 21, 2012
When you are dressing for a job interview, image really is everything - or most of it. The image you present to a potential employer is the first thing they ... Read More

Sample Recommendation Letters

Sunday August 19, 2012
When interviewing for a new job, expect to have your references checked prior to getting a job offer.   Plan ahead and compile a list of references and some letters of ... Read More

How to Stand Out From the Job Search Crowd

Saturday August 18, 2012
When the unemployment rate is high and there are less opportunities for job seekers, job searching becomes much more competitive. Rather than it being a buyer's market, where you can pick and ... Read More

The Dog Days of a Summer Job Search

Saturday August 18, 2012
One of the definitions of dog days, according to Merriam Webster, is "a period of stagnation or inactivity." That can happen to the best of us when the temperature is ... Read More

Dealing with Difficult People

Friday August 17, 2012
Sometimes, work can become difficult. Co-workers, bosses, and a negative office environment can all make your job less than enjoyable. In fact, they can make work a place where you ... Read More

Twitter Tips for Job Seekers

Friday August 17, 2012
Everyone, or almost everyone, is tweeting.  If you haven't got started on Twitter, your job search can be a good excuse to join the crowd of tweeters.  Even better, you ... Read More

Get Your Employment Dates Straight

Wednesday August 15, 2012
I spoke to a job seeker recently who almost had a job offer for his dream job.  Almost is the operative word. It was almost, because when the time came ... Read More

Job Search Summer Time Blues

Wednesday August 15, 2012
I've always thought that job searching was toughest during the summer.  Everyone else, or at least it seems like everyone else, is going out and having fun. You, if you're ... Read More

How to Follow Up After a Job Interview

Tuesday August 14, 2012
It's important to follow up after a job interview with a thank you letter or thank you note reminding the interviewer about your key qualifications for the job and reiterating your ... Read More

Labor Day Holiday Pay

Monday August 13, 2012
Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is the holiday that celebrates the accomplishments of American workers, but there are many who have to work on Labor Day.   Despite the occasion,  not everyone is ... Read More

Labor Day 2012 Holiday

Monday August 13, 2012
The Federal Government provides employees with nine paid holidays, including Labor Day.  Labor Day is observed on the first Monday in September, so the legal holiday this year will be ... Read More

Writing a Resignation Letter

Sunday August 12, 2012
For most of us, a day comes when we want to resign from our job and move on. There are good ways and not-so-good ways to resign. I cringe when ... Read More

How to Start a Job Search

Sunday August 12, 2012
I hear from more than a few people who don't know where to start looking for a job online. They're confused by all the information (and they're right, there's lots ... Read More

Do I Have to Work Overtime?

Sunday August 12, 2012
There was a question in the About.com Job Search Discussion Forum yesterday from someone who is tired of working overtime.  She said that "These additional duties have required me to ... Read More

Employers Asking for Facebook Passwords

Saturday August 11, 2012

Pink Slip? What Now?

Saturday August 11, 2012
Have you lost your job? If so, you're not alone. There are always companies that are eliminating jobs or restructuring operations.  Unfortunately, it is a normal part of conducting business ... Read More

5 Things to Do Before You Start a Job Search

Saturday August 11, 2012
It's important, even if you just lost your job and you're in panic mode, to take some time to get organized before you start a job search.  Rather than scrambling, ... Read More

Leave the Politics at Home

Friday August 10, 2012
It's hard not to have a political opinion, especially when politics are all over the news, and we're getting closer to the US Presidential Election. Coming from a family that's a ... Read More

Jobs for High School Students

Friday August 10, 2012
When you're in high school it can be difficult to find a job. You may not have much, or any, formal work experience and there aren't many jobs available for ... Read More

Best Companies for Work-Life Balance 2012

Friday August 10, 2012
A balance between work and life is always high on the list of what matters when job seekers are looking for a company to work for.  That could be because, in ... Read More

Social Media Privacy Laws

Thursday August 9, 2012
As a result of news stories about employers asking for Facebook passwords from job applicants and even from current employees, some states and the federal government are working on legislation to provide social ... Read More

Top 10 States for Tech Jobs 2012

Thursday August 9, 2012
Dice.com has a new report out on the top states for tech jobs.  California, Virginia, Texas, New York and Florida lead the nation, with these states employing more than 650,000 tech ... Read More

Checking Out Companies

Thursday August 9, 2012
There's a lot of information on companies conducting background checks, Googling candidates for employment, checking you out on Facebook, and finding out as much about you as they can, online. It ... Read More

Nanny Resume and Cover Letter Examples

Thursday August 9, 2012
Are you looking for a nanny job?  Here's an example of a nanny resume and a sample cover letter to use to apply for a position as a nanny or ... Read More

When a Job Offer is Rescinded

Wednesday August 8, 2012
Given the uncertainty in the job market, what happens when a company decides that they don't need you - after they have already offered you a job? What rights do ... Read More

As Soon as I Saw Your Resume

Wednesday August 8, 2012
I heard recently from someone who took the time to target both her resume and her cover letter. She wanted to let me know how well it had worked out for her.  Both ... Read More

The Right Salary?

Wednesday August 8, 2012
The more I thought about a discussion I had with someone who had read in several job search books that all companies give you a low-ball offer and you have to ... Read More

Hair Stylist Resume Example

Wednesday August 8, 2012
Are you a hair stylist who needs to write a resume?   This hair stylist resume example includes hair styling and coloring experience,  waxing, cosmetology school, and additional experience.   It's formatted, so you can ... Read More

The Consequences of Lying on Your Resume

Tuesday August 7, 2012
 I've written quite a bit about lying on your resume and the consequences when you do. What are the consequences? Obviously, it depends on whether you caught. If you don't, ... Read More

Best Cover Letters 2012

Tuesday August 7, 2012
What's the best type of cover letter for job seekers to use? How can you get noticed in this year's competitive job market? What's most important when writing a cover ... Read More

Back to School Job Search Tips

Monday August 6, 2012
Even if you weren't able to find a summer job, you may be able to find one for the tail end of summer that lasts into fall, or longer. Or, if ... Read More

Jackalope Jobs

Monday August 6, 2012
Interested in getting the most out of your social networking contacts? Jackalope Jobs helps job seekers leverage their social networks to get the jobs they want. Users sign on through ... Read More

Job Interview Introductions

Monday August 6, 2012
Introductions can sometimes be awkward, especially when you're interviewing for a new job and meeting your interviewer for the first time. They don't have to be. If you know how the ... Read More

About.com Job Search Weekly Recap

Sunday August 5, 2012
Here's a quick roundup of what's new and noteworthy this week on the About.com Job Search site: Best Job Search Engines 2012 When you use a job search engine you'll find job listings ... Read More

Best Job Search Engines 2012

Saturday August 4, 2012
When you use a job search engine you'll find job listings from many different online sources.  Job seekers can use job search engines to search job boards, company websites, professional associations, and ... Read More

Bright.com Friends with Opportunities

Saturday August 4, 2012
Bright is a job search site that allows users to search for jobs, find connections at companies, and locate job openings that best fit their experience. Users can search for jobs ... Read More

Resume Tips for Teens

Saturday August 4, 2012
I've heard from many teen job seekers who aren't sure what a resume is, don't think they need a resume, or aren't sure what to include on their resume. Even though ... Read More

Getting Your First Job

Friday August 3, 2012
Whether you're a teen looking for your first ever job or a college graduate searching for a professional position, finding your first job can be a challenge.  First of all, ... Read More

July: Unemployment Up, Hiring Up

Friday August 3, 2012
The unemployment rate rose slightly to 8.3% in July.  However, there was an increase in job growth in several industries. Increases in hiring this month included: Professional and business services: +49,000 jobs Computer systems design: +7,000 ... Read More

What To Do When You Hate Your Job

Thursday August 2, 2012
I hate my job. I hate my company. I hate my boss. Many people do hate something or other about their work and I can't keep track of how many ... Read More

Second Jobs

Thursday August 2, 2012
One of my favorite second jobs was as a pet sitter. I'm an animal lover and when I was working at a job where my paycheck wasn't enough to make ends ... Read More

Looking for a Part-Time Job?

Thursday August 2, 2012
Looking for a part-time job for the fall? It's not too early to start a job search if you're a student looking for a job with hours you can work ... Read More

Where Are the Good Jobs?

Wednesday August 1, 2012
Where are the good jobs? Maybe the better question would be what happened to the good jobs, because according to a new report many of them are gone. Despite the fact ... Read More

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