You have it all you think, that great resume, the snappy new business clothes for the interview, and a killer smile...but could something you aren't even aware of be sabotaging your job search? Many job seekers aren't aware that their credit score could be keeping them from the job of their dreams. Here are some things to be wary of: Finance-related Job Searches If you are applying to any area of the financial market, such as stock broker, banking teller, or analyst, you can be assured that the hiring manager is going to take a look at your credit background. If you've had bankruptcies or are always late paying your bills, they'll believe you're at a higher risk around their currency. … [Read more...] about Is My Credit Score a Job Search Issue?
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How to Groom Yourself for a Job Interview for Men
First impressions mean everything, and you only get one chance at it. You may be able to nail the interview in your sleep, but you have to look the part as well. Otherwise, the interviewers may not be able to take you seriously. So what can you do to make the right impression and snag that job you want? Here are some grooming tips that you should take to heart before heading into the interview: Keep your face smooth You don’t want to just look like you got done shaving hours ago, you want to look like you just got done shaving seconds ago. That’s why it’s important to use all the necessary tools to get rid of any stubble that may have been left behind that morning. Don’t skimp on the face grooming products, that $0.50 razor isn’t likely to do the trick. Use a shaving brush such as a badger hair shaving brush and a great sharp razor to make sure everything is even and looking good. … [Read more...] about How to Groom Yourself for a Job Interview for Men
Dead End Job? Is Your Career Better Off Than a Year Ago?
Do you know if you are in a better place in your career than a year ago? Do you know how to tell if your stalled in your job field? Or worse yet, you're in a dead end job? There are some very telling ways to understand when you're just treading water in the pool of business. Dead end job? You're Still Doing the Same Thing Has your job description or job title not changed for a few years? If so, you may want to assess your spot in the company. This can be a big red flag of a dead end job that they do not see you in other roles or suited for a higher position. However, this could also be because you are perfectly suited for your spot and they can't fathom you being elsewhere. If this bothers you, tell them that you are looking to rise in the company and seek their suggestions. … [Read more...] about Dead End Job? Is Your Career Better Off Than a Year Ago?
Is My Cover Letter Holding Me Back?
Your cover letter acts as your first impression on a prospective employer, making it an important part of your application. While many people polish their resumes before sending them off, the cover letter is often overlooked or hastily written -- reducing the chance of landing the job. Here are a few cover letter mistakes that can get your application tossed in the "No" pile: 1. Forgetting to Proofread Spelling and grammar errors are a surefire way to get your application put at the bottom of the pile. Your word processing program's built-in spell checker can help find some problems, but don't rely on it for a final polish. You need to double- and triple-check your cover letter for errors, reading it aloud to catch mistakes you might miss while skimming. Have a friend or colleague with excellent spelling and grammar skills go over your letter before you send it out. … [Read more...] about Is My Cover Letter Holding Me Back?
So You Want to Be an Event Planner?
Are you the type of person who loves to take charge when throwing a party? Do others say you have skills when it comes down to the details while also making sure guests feel welcomed and are enjoying themselves? Maybe you should consider becoming an event planner. Here is some information about event planning as a career . . . Types of event planners. There are different types of event planners such as wedding planners whose expertise is all things wedding related. Wedding planners typically fall into the private event planner category. Private event planners tend to assist people with special events in their lives like birthdays and bar mitzvahs. There are also corporate event planners who perform work similar to private event planners but typically on a larger scale. For example, corporate planners might put together trade shows or fundraisers, secure the convention hotel or hall, gather keynote speakers, and work with vendors. … [Read more...] about So You Want to Be an Event Planner?
How to Boost Your Resume
Employers can read up to a hundred resumes a day and it can be a very tedious job. Looking at a bunch of resumes that all look the same, which all apply for the same job and use the same CV jargon - this could bore anyone. If after 15 seconds the employer is bored of reading your resume, they will stop reading it and move on to the next. So they key is to make sure your resume grabs their attention within seconds of them glancing at it. Graduate Recruitment Bureau offers some easy tips on how to boost your CV to make yours stand out and get you that job. Consider using professional resume templates to give your CV a polished and unique design that sets it apart from others. Proofread The most simple of all the steps, but easily forgotten. Always make sure to proofread your resume, because as soon as an employer spots a grammatical error or a spelling mistake, it’s game over. Your resume will immediately be ignored as it shows carelessness and unprofessionalism. Proofread several … [Read more...] about How to Boost Your Resume
30 Motivational Quotes for Work
In today’s business world, motivational quotes for work can help keep you moving forward. Some companies give their employees opportunities to find inspiration through team building activities, retreats, and visits from guest speakers. Others learn from books and instructional videos. Another great source of inspiration for business employees can be motivational quotes for work. Sometimes, quotes can be the catalyst in igniting a spark for a new idea in the business world. Quotes can give a person the push they need to make a difference in their careers. If you need a jumping off point, here are some great quotes to get your business juices flowing. … [Read more...] about 30 Motivational Quotes for Work
Networking Tips: How to Keep in Touch with Former Colleagues
Ah, the familiar sight of the ‘Goodbye and Good Luck’ card – a staple purchase for workers who want to send their parting colleagues off with a ‘Bon Voyage.’ But as a receiver of one of these cards, what are you supposed to do about all the messages that say ‘keep in touch?’ I mean, what does ‘keeping in touch’ specifically entail? It’s easy to blush and feel awkward as you say your goodbyes, but don’t make false promises. Keeping in touch with old colleagues doesn’t have to feel weird. In fact, here are some tips on how you can successfully maintain good relationships with the people you used to work with without coming off as some kind of crazed stalker – or worse, someone who only uses their ex-workmates to get ahead. Why Bother Staying in Touch? If you are looking for a new job, or are looking to get promoted, having a network of contacts in your address book can help you succeed. Many jobs are filled by word of mouth and guess who knows your employment history, your interests … [Read more...] about Networking Tips: How to Keep in Touch with Former Colleagues
Reasons to Think Twice Before Becoming a Freelancer
The moment we realize we are tired of working at a regular 9-to-5 job for the clients we don't like at all and making less than enough money and feeling constant boss pressure we start to think about becoming a full-time freelancer. At first, it seems to be the only possible option for those who want more money and independence. But as it is widely known, there's no such thing as a free lunch. The freedom provided by freelance work usually comes with a price and you must realize that you'll have to sacrifice some things for the sake of working when and where you like. The most tangible disadvantage, probably, is that after taking the freelance road you'll have to forget about medical coverage or paid sick days. From the first day of your freelancer's life you only earn when you work and all the retirement savings thing is only defined by how much you get monthly and how much you are able to put away. … [Read more...] about Reasons to Think Twice Before Becoming a Freelancer
Why Working in Retail Is Like Playing Football – Plus Win $50
Working in retail and the game of football have a lot more in common than you realize. Thinking back on my first job in retail, I see several distinct similarities. 1) A CROWD. Retail is one of the few professions where there are always spectators. Whether you drop a pass (register receipt jam!), fumble the ball (wrong price!) or miss the play call (don’t remember what aisle the mops are on!), people are watching your every move. 2) UNIFORMS. I never got to don shoulder pads and a helmet, but that red vest made it clear which team I played for. A store uniform makes it easy for customers to identify you for assistance, much like a uniform helps you identify who just crossed into the end zone. 3) A COACH, A QUARTERBACK. Much like a football team, every retail store has its hierarchy and roster. In retail I worked as a register supervisor. This sort of made me like a Tight End. Sometimes my job was to block (deflecting issues before they move up the chain to management) but … [Read more...] about Why Working in Retail Is Like Playing Football – Plus Win $50