South Florida JobSpot

The Interview is over, now what?

2008-05-21T12:59:00.000-07:00

Immediately following the interview, it's the little things that make the difference, and this is never more true than when it comes to following up after your interview. Take this checklist to heart and set yourself apart from other applicants applying for the same position.

Did I acquire the correct names, spellings, and titles of all the people I interviewed with?
At the conclusion of the interview, did I ask the employer what the time frame is for making a hiring decision?
Did I re-connect with the employer via a written letter, e-mail, or voice mail within 24 hours of the interview to reiterate my enthusiasm for the position?
Did I double check my written thank you letter or e-mail for errors before sending?
Did I alert my references that they might be getting a call from a potential future employer?
Did I complete any tasks or assignments I was asked to do at the conclusion of the first interview to prepare for the second interview?

Moving Forward

Did I follow up shortly after the defined time frame to ask about the position if I did not hear from the employer?
Do I realize that sometimes the hiring decision takes longer than expected? Although I do want to follow up, I don't want to become annoying to the employer.
Have I continued to interview for other positions, recognizing that it is not wise to put all of my eggs in one job basket?
Have I used other job offers as leverage when following up with potential employers?
Have I left myself open to future opportunities with an employer who does not want to hire me at this time?

Survival Tactic #4 from the Job Seekers Survival Guide 2008

Birthdays at Work

2008-04-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

My morning had started out rough. My elbow was hurting from an ongoing problem, but despite, I was sitting at my desk working when my Office Manager walked up and said, “Jenny, come here for a minute”. I felt faintly nervous walking into her office, but she wasn’t there. I looked behind me in confusion when my co-worker, said, “She’s in here” (referring to the conference room). Maureen walked through the door in front of me and when I walked in, the whole office (5 people that day) began in on “The Birthday Song”.

They had all signed a card and had a cake ready. My day really brightened up after that and I started wondering how many people celebrate birthdays in the workplace (it was the first for me). For me it was a warm feeling, but I wondered if anyone ever felt imposed on if put in that situation.

As I was researching ‘birthdays at work’ on Google, I came across many unique and interesting ways to celebrate birthdays at work. I also came across The Purse Forum. I found many differing opinions; some enjoyed the closeness in the office while others didn’t want to be reminded that they were another year older. But overall, in my opinion after reading the forum, people enjoy celebrating birthdays in the workplace.

I also found a neat site called PaulSadowski.com that allows you to type in your birth date and it gives you so much information about your birthday. Just for a few examples: Celebrities who share your birthday; how many seconds old you are; and the top songs in the year you were born. Check it out! PaulSadowski.com

Virtual Career / Job Fair Coming Soon!

2008-04-17T07:50:00.001-07:00

Join Us for Our Online Job Fair - Apply for Open Positions 24/7 from wherever you are!

Log on to:
http://miami.employmentguide.com/
http://fortlauderdale.employmentguide.com/
http://palmbeach.employmentguide.com/
Then: Click on the 'Job Fair' button.
Then: Click on 'South Florida Virtual Career Fair'

It begins May 26th - June 7th.
Apply Instantly with many diverse companies who are actively filling open positions!

For more information on Virtual Job Fairs, please see the following post: Is There Another Way to Find My Next Job?

For more information on how to prepare for a job fair, please visit the following post: Making the Most of a Job Fair!

Solicite posiciones las 24 horas al día, con nuestra Feria de Trabajo Virtual. La Feria comienza el 26 de mayo hasta junio 7. Aplique por trabajo inmediatamente con compañías e empresas diversas con posiciones disponibles en cada nivel.

Inicie sesión en:
http://miami.employmentguide.com/
http://fortlauderdale.employmentguide.com/
http://palmbeach.employmentguide.com/
Haga clic en el botón que dice 'Job Fair'.
Haga clic en 'South Florida Virtual Career Fair'.

Para obtener más información sobre ferias de trabajo virtual, por favor vea el siguiente post: Is There Another Way to Find My Next Job?

Para obtener más información sobre cómo prepararse para una feria de empleos, por favor visite el siguiente post: Making the Most of a Job Fair!

Our Next Job Fair is Coming to Miami!

2008-04-17T07:37:00.001-07:00

Please join us at the Sofitel Hotel on Tuesday, May 20th, 2008 from 10:00am - 3:00pm. The address is: 5800 Blue Lagoon Drive, Miami, FL. 33126. There will many employers from a diverse range of companies looking to hire you! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at: jenny.manchester@employmentguide.com.

For more information on how to prepare for a job fair, please visit the following post: Making the Most of a Job Fair!

Visite nuestra Feria de Empleos el martes, 20 de mayo de 2008 de 10am hasta 3pm en el Sofitel Hotel. La dirección es: 5800 Blue Lagoon Drive, Miami, FL. 33126. Empresas y compañías diversas buscan personas como usted que buscan trabajo de tiempo completo y tiempo parcial.

Para más información comunicase por correo electrónico:jenny.manchester@employmentguide.com

Para obtener más información sobre come preparase para una feria de empleos, por favor visite el siguiente post: Making the Most of a Job Fair!

Making the Most of a Job Fair

2008-04-16T11:04:00.000-07:00

Job Fairs are a great way for you to explore potential employment opportunities and learn more about companies who are actively hiring in your neighborhood. Many people see it as a first interview, while others view it as an opportunity to gather information about potential employers. Regardless of what reason you have for attending, there are a few important things to keep in mind before, during, and after the job fair to make it successful.

Before the Job Fair

Find out what businesses will be there. The more information you can gather beforehand, the more successful the job fair is going to be for you. Spend time researching the participating companies. What types of jobs do they have open? What kind of people are they looking for? What kind of skills do these people need to have?

Develop some questions you’d like to ask employers. Narrow down your list of businesses to include those who have positions you are interested in, or are businesses you think you might like to work for. Then list some questions to ask the company representative at the job fair.

Proofread your resume – at least twice. If you don’t already have one, it is a good idea to put a resume together for a job fair. It gives employers a blueprint of your skills and something tangible. See “The Right Resume” and “Killer Cover Letters” for how-to information.

At the Job Fair

Dress the part. As with a job interview, first impressions at a job fair are important. How you represent yourself sends an immediate message to employers about how serious you are in your job search. It isn’t always necessary to wear a suit to a job fair – unless you are looking for a job that would require you to dress professionally at work. However, you should leave the jeans and T-shirt at home. Business casual is usually the most appropriate – slacks and a collared shirt for men, and slacks or skirt and a blouse for women. Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed. Avoid wearing excessive jewelry or clothing that is too short or revealing.

Take time to talk to employers. Don’t just drop off a resume and move to the next booth. Take time to get additional information and make an impression. The point is not to see how many resumes you can give to employers in the least amount of time – it is to establish some solid job prospects. Also, try to avoid approaching employers when they are crowded by a large group of job seekers. Approaching a crowded booth makes it difficult for employers to answer your individual questions, and they are less likely to remember you when they return to their offices.

Do your homework. If you have done research before the job fair, you won’t have to ask what the company does. Instead, you can ask questions about a specific position or department of interest. It works to your advantage if you can tell employers how your skills match with available positions. Employers want to hire people who are genuinely interested in their company.

Practice makes perfect. It may help to prepare a few sentences about yourself that give a brief, summarized account of who you are and why you’re interested in the position. It should be practiced until it can be said comfortably and effortlessly.

Let employers know you are serious. Greet the employer with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact throughout your conversation. Showing interest and good manners is important, regardless of the type of job. Every employer appreciates someone who is dedicated, conscientious, and attentive.

After the Job Fair

Follow-up with a thank you note. Experts agree that follow-up is an important part of attending a job fair. If you pick up a business card, or the name of the company’s job fair representative, send a thank you note a day or two later. This is not only polite, but will let the representative know you paid attention, are serious about the job, and are the right person.

Once you are finished asking questions about the company, ask the recruiter about the next step. This way you know when/how to expect a response, or if there is further action needed on your part.

Is There Another Way to Find My Next Job?

2008-04-16T09:54:00.000-07:00

Employers are making it easier to find new jobs, even careers!

Everywhere you look you see advertisements for job fairs telling you to show up at a specific location, at a specific time and date. Bring plenty of resumes, dress for success, no strollers, no children. Then you have to juggle your work schedule from the dead end job you are trying to get away from in order to make the job fair. Oh, don’t forget the rising gas prices!

Sometimes job seekers are forced to ask themselves these questions, what if I can’t find a babysitter, or I’m scheduled to work during a job fair, or worse yet, because I don’t have a job, I can’t afford the gas to get to the job fair? What other options do I have? Are there even any options?

Actually, there is another option! VIRTUAL JOB FAIRS – The latest and greatest way to find your next career!

Virtual job fairs (VJFs) are great, because you can see who’s hiring, wherever you may be, all you need is a laptop or a pc, and as we know these days, even an iPhone will work. The majority of us have jobs and we don’t have the time to appear in person. With VJFs you can sit back from the comforts of your home (or at your desk at work) and search for jobs that fit your criteria! You can do research on companies you are interested in before applying to them. How great is that? I can sit in front of my computer and I can find jobs that apply to me instead of having to drive across town to only find a couple of companies that might be a potential fit for me, and with the traffic jams on I-95 and I-595, who can afford to go through this?!

South Florida Employment Guide has a VJF coming soon, check back for more information on Employers currently hiring for full time and part time positions in your area, from May 19^th thru June ^st

Check out some virtual job fairs that are going on now or in the near future!
Click here to view current and upcoming Virtual Job Fairs

"Ghost Writer" Picture by: Ian Grainger
Written by: The Employment Guide

Killer Cover Letters

2008-04-08T14:35:00.000-07:00

Always send a cover letter with a resume when applying for a job. The cover letter and resume have the same goal - to get the interview - but they should contain different information. The purpose of the cover letter is to develop a rapport with the hiring manager and give him or her an idea of your personality type.

Keep your cover letter short. Do not restate your entire resume in your cover letter.

Keep it clear, concise, and simple. Tell them:

Where you learned about the job
Why you’re the right candidate for the job
How they can contact you

Experts say that your cover letter should be no more than four paragraphs on one page.

Use critical keywords that focus on your industry knowledge and skill set. In today’s competitive job market, larger companies often pre-screen the applicant pool by running all applications through a computer program designed to eliminate unqualified applicants.

Job title buzzwords include: manager, assistant, intern, representative, officer, maintenance, nurse, associate, merchandiser, clerk, cashier, loss prevention, buyer, technician, producer, shipping and receiving.

Computer proficiency buzzwords include: CAD, CADD, C++, Java, HTML, Flash, Adobe (name various products), and Microsoft Office Suite.

Format in business-letter style using a font size of 10 or 12. Choose an easy-to-read font style, such as Arial or Times New Roman.

Start with your name, your address, and the date. Include an e-mail address if you have one.

Do include a reference line indicating the position for which you’re applying, as well as the job reference number, if it’s listed.

Include a salutation. The letter has greater impact if addressed to the actual person that will be responsible for hiring.

Opening - Gain Their Attention:

The best approach in the leading sentence is to stick with the facts and simply state why you’re writing the letter. The second sentence should then act as your attention-getter.

Body - Sell Yourself:

Here’s where you spell out why they should hire you. If you have particular education or experience point it our. You need to relate your skills to their job requirements.

Closing - Once Again:

State why they should hire you, ask for the interview and indicate any follow-up. Finally, add a complimentary closing, such as, “Sincerely yours,” your name, contact information, and a list of any enclosures. Do not forget to sign the letter before mailing.

The Right Resume

2008-04-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

Your resume provides a snapshot of who you are to a potential employer. Along with your cover letter, it is their first impression and must stand out in a competitive job market. To ensure you have the right resume, let’s start at the top. Here’s what your resume should include:

Include Pertinent Contact Information

Resumes should start with your full name, address, phone number(s), and e-mail address (if you have one).
You should always use a font size of 10-12 for your text. Choose an easy-to-read font style such as Arial or Times New Roman.
Microsoft Word offers resume templates. To access, go to “file” and click on “new.” Then you will see a series of tabs. Click under “templates.” You will see several different templates listed. Open the one that you prefer and fill in your personal information.

State Your Objective

The objective should be one sentence only.
State the job you are seeking and what you hope to accomplish long term.

Highlight Your Skills

Showcase any foreign languages you speak, computer and/or software skills, and any other technical or skilled trade certifications.

List Your Work Experience

List in reverse chronological order the names and locations of employers, dates of employment, job titles held, description of job responsibilities, skills demonstrated, and accomplishments while on the job. It’s only necessary to go back ten years in listing your work experience.
Be concise - use short, bulleted phrases (complete sentences are not necessary). State your contributions to the company, not just duties.
Use action verbs and industry buzzwords to enhance the body of your resume.
Action verbs include: accomplished, accelerated, operated, negotiated, produced, controlled, conducted, evaluated, solved, innovated, updated, trained, initiated, instructed, reinforced, performed and organized.

Catalogue Your Education

List schools attended, degrees, grade point averages (if impressive), and honors. Note that it’s not necessary to list years attended or dates of degrees.

April Fool's Day Story

2008-04-01T13:38:00.000-07:00

My co-worker, Maureen, told me her family’s funniest April Fool’s Day prank this morning so I thought I would share.

Maureen called her mother to say that her brother was in jail for a DUI. Her mother was frantically trying to re-finance their home to get her son out of jail when they decided to say, “April Fools”.

Then, Maureen’s brother called their dad and said that Maureen had gotten a DUI and was in jail. His response…”let her rot there”.

Needless to say, Maureen calls her mom in time of need!

If you have any April Fool's Day stories, jokes, or pranks to share please post them here! We would love to hear!!

Our Last Job Fair was a Blast!

2008-04-01T10:53:00.000-07:00

Employment Guide was pleased with our past job fair held on March 25, 2008. We had Employers in Law Enforcement and Security; Also, Employers from Taco Bell, Burger King, Sullivan & Cogliano, and many more. There were many job seekers, most of whom left feeling satisfied with their time connecting one on one with their potential future Employers.

Sheila Chapman, Vice President of Sullivan & Cogliano Training Centers, Inc., said, “My representatives came back and raved about today’s job fair. It was well organized and represented. We feel strongly that with our career ready training and employment opportunities, we can successfully train and employ your attendees. Thank you and congratulations on the fair.”

Our next career fair will be ON-LINE starting on May 19th through June 1st. Stop by the South Florida Blog for more details coming soon!

Fun at Calle Ocho 2008

2008-03-20T22:16:00.000-07:00

With famous performers such as Shaggy, Wyclef Jean, Pitbull, La India, and Menudo drawing over 1 million attendees, Employment Guide had a great time at Calle Ocho 2008. We had our Sales Rep, Maureen, promoting our sponsors (dancing up a storm!). We all had a great time meeting great people and even Rafael Eduardo from FM 105.5 EXITO was hanging out with us at our booth! There was Kid Zone that had paint ball shooting, water rides, and slides; FUN for the whole family!