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Satisfied and unsatisfied employees feel the need to continue looking

THE NEVER ENDING JOB SEARCH

evin Holly has held several jobs at Miami International Airport over the years, ranging from a cashier at a gift shop to a cook at a fastfood restaurant, most of them taking place while the 23-year-old Fort Lauderdale resident went to school. In fact, the only constant during Hollys stint at the airport was constant change. Id get bored easily, says Holly. Or maybe I couldnt get the hours that I wanted. It was no big deal. Id switch to another store or restaurant that needed workers. During Hollys last year in school, when he needed stability with his employer to concentrate on his classes, his luck ran out. The store I was working at closed and I was out in the cold, he says. I wasnt prepared to move to a new place my class schedule was all over the place. I ended up taking a few months off. Being forced out of a job is one thing; being unable to find new work is another. Holly realized that his willingness to switch jobs cost him in the end. Instead of staying with a stable employer, he continually moved on, eventually moving himself out of a job.

says. Thats the important part. Whether youre looking or not is unimportant. What matters is that youre always ready to look.

Be prepared

Career adviser Micah Pratt says he hears scenarios like Hollys often. People dont think they need to prepare themselves for whatever might be next in their lives, says Pratt. Jobs are temporary things these days. Companies have no loyalty to you, only to the bottom line. Thats why Pratt says he thinks employees should continually look for the perfect situation, even if theyve recently been hired. Until youre working for a place that gives you exactly how much money you want meaning you name the price and showers you with perks and time off, you dont have the perfect job, says Pratt. You may have a great job but there might be something out there that can offer you more. Pratt doesnt advocate jeopardizing a current job by overtly looking for a new employer, but he does say workers should always be ready to look for a new job at a moments notice. Be prepared to find work immediately, Pratt

Once you decide to remain active in the job market, there are a few things to remember: Update your resume each time you take a class or seminar, are assigned to a new project, complete an exemplary task or are honored with a company award. Its easier to summarize accomplishments for a resume when they are still fresh in your mind. Proceed with caution when networking with clients and peers. You want to establish yourself as a talented, ambitious individual, not a gladhanding job seeker. Do not publicize the fact that youre looking for a job with your co-workers. You shouldnt assume everyone wants whats best for you, says Pratt. Sometimes, people just want your job, and theyll use whatever you say to them to help their cause. You dont want to have to defend yourself in front of your boss because someone opened his mouth. Do not send off resumes in every direction. Pick and choose the jobs that really appeal to you. You may come across these jobs as frequently as once a day or as infrequently as once every two months. The more resumes saturating the market could eventually lead unnecessary information back to your boss. Dont fear social media. Granted, youll want to be cautious and careful with your posts and status updates, but you want a digital footprint of your life, especially one that will appeal to potential employers. People think that with the exception of LinkeIn, they should be this blank slate online when theyre looking for a new job, says Henry Germond, a Denver-based career adviser. Thats not the case. You have to be careful what you post, of course, because every recruiter or manager who runs across your resume will google your name to find out more about you. But let them find out that youre an interesting person with a solid work ethic and a mind that continues to expand. Make your current job your main focus. Turning your back on your work to send out resumes and cultivate contacts may hasten your plan to look for a new job. Marco Buscaglia, Tribune Media Services

Basic guidelines

Interview 102: You know the basics, but less obvious action can help land job
talking points, as well as a chance to regain your composure. Also, the cup or glass will give you something to do with your hands during awkward quiet moments. Finally, youll be able to attack that drymouth more effectively if a drink is nearby. 2. Ask questions, but dont insult the interviewer. In other words, you wont need to tell your interviewer the obvious with thinly veiled questions like, Why are there so many open positions? Questions about the companys performance should be handled carefully as well. Asking, How will this new hire be able to contribute to the companys future growth? is more subtle and effective than, Are you guys still losing money? 3. Dont rush. Most interviewers block out at least an hour of time for each job candidate. Dont feel the need to tell your life story in the first 10 minutes. Instead, find ways to attach important pieces of information about yourself with various answers. You wont lose points by taking your interviewer on occasional detours. 4. Give your interviewer something to remember you by. At this point in the candidate selection process, most job seekers are fairly similar your interview is your chance to stand out. Mention something exciting you did over the weekend or ask about a photo or object on your interviewers desk. Aside from striking a personal note, youll be able to reference this in your thank-you letter something as simple as, Hope youre able to some time biking this weekend. This gives your interviewer something to remember you by, hopefully further separating you from the others that she interviewed for the job.

hen interviewing for a job, its important to speak clearly and to be honest about your past and potential. Its also essential to research the company beforehand so youll be able to successfully navigate the interviewers specific questions. But not all jobs are won or lost by following the most obvious of interview rules. 1. Dont turn down a glass of water or cup of coffer if offered. It puts you on a more personal route with your interviewer and gives you a minute or two to scope out the office for possible clues on

Apply now for hourly jobs by dialing (888) 808-JOBS or visiting www.careerbuilder.com.
careeradvice
he age-old dilemma of kids or career has had many employers in a tizzy over their budding female employees and how the prospect of children would impact their careers and, ultimately, their company. But in an interview with Sylvia Ann Hewlett, author of Creating a Life: Professional Women and the Quest for Children (Miramax Books, $22) and co-author of a Harvard Business Review report on the same subject, says women are not choosing one or the other. In fact, most women who leave the workforce only do so temporarily. In other words, dont change her nameplate on the door just yet.

Stay or go?

ant to boost your chances in the job-hunting game? Use a hook or some sort of personal connection in your cover letter. This can reap rewards ranging from winning an interview to receiving a job offer. The key is finding that common thread and using it in your contact with the prospective employer. As you begin your research on a prospective employer, keep an eye out for any clues that could connect you with the company or hiring manager.

Better bait

he end of an interview can provide an opportunity for you to make sure the employer keeps you informed of your interview status. Before leaving, politely ask your potential employer if and when it is OK to contact the company regarding the position for which you applied. It may just land you the job. There are some companies that look for a candidate to call them back and express continued and increased excitement about the opportunity, says Ron Selewach, CEO and founder of the Human Resource Management Center in Tampa, Fla.

Keep in touch

ver think you and your companys IT professional will never see eyeto-eyeor at least hard drive to hard drive? Bill Pfleging, co-author of Geek Gap: Why Business and Technology Professionals Dont Understand Each Other and Why They Need Each Other to Survive (Prometheus Books, $25), says its crucial to respect and try to understand these technologists. Even though you may not understand each other, its imperative to view each others work in high esteem.

Generation geek

Sunday, MAY 19, 2013

SOUTH FLORIDAS COMPLETE SOURCE FOR EMPLOYMENT

CONTENTS PREPARED BY CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

ORDER INTHEOFFICE
pon turning 16, high school students are taught the rules of the road and instructed to follow them or else. Back then, the threat of speeding tickets or parking violations were enough to keep you from straying from those sacred teachings. As those students get older and graduate college, one would think there would be a similar rulebook for life. Unfortunately there isnt. But the good news is a little common sense and courtesy will get you a long way on the corporate highway. Nicholas Aretakis, who coaches college students on workplace issues, says college prepares you for work-life not only in terms of book learning, but also relationship building. Living with a roommate in a 10-foot by 10-foot dorm room and doing it successfully with no broken bones or serious property damage can really help when you land your first job in a cubicle. Those tight working spaces can make for some awkward and potentially irritating times for you and your co-workers, but this is where a little thoughtfulness comes in. While some aspects of work can mimic college life, recent grads can still take a few pointers from Aretakis, who is also the author of No More Ramen: The 20-Somethings Real World Survival Guide (Next Stage Press, $14.95). Here are his 12 tips for switching gears. 1. Control the volume of your voice. On calls and with co-workers, talk at a moderate volume. Its not the library, but its not a frat party either. 2. Keep personal phone calls brief. If you have to make or receive a non-business call, do it away from where others are working. 3. Turn your cell phone ring to low or to vibrate. Also, consider changing your ringtone to something neutral and businesslike. 4. Dont eavesdrop. If you cant help it due to the proximity of your desk, at least dont join in conversations youre not part of. 5. Dispose of food containers in the cafeteria or break room.

NEWONTHEJOB:SPRING 13 tips for first-time employees

CAREERNOTES

Alumni connection Looking for a job after graduation? Look to your college for help. Networking is essential in getting a leg up on the competition and one of the best ways to do that is by attending alumni events. Connecting with alumni organizations is a great way to meet contacts, says Cynthia Favre, director of career management at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn. If a graduate builds up a relationship with established alumni, then those alumni will usually be more than willing to help.

Dont forget that your boss has the right to monitor your emails. 9. Dont engage with chatty co-workers. Politely tell them that youre on a deadline and will find time to talk later perhaps at lunch. 10. Dont procrastinate. You cant pull regular all-nighters to finish work deadlines. Keep your inbox on your desk and on your computer empty. 11. Dont gossip. Gossip is toxic and always comes back to bite you. 12. Be reliable. Say what youll do and then do it. Having a reputation for reliability is the best way to win the respect of co-workers and your boss.

Be respectful of shared spaces. If someone else leaves dishes or trash, clean it up and set a good example. 6. Use discretion with your cubicle decor. Your workspace is a 3-D business card. Think twice about raunchy music posters and Satan bobbleheads.

7. Dont get sloshed on business trips. Remember that youre an ambassador for your company on the road. Also, know that your boss probably has spies. 8. Dont IM, surf or social network on the job. Save all non-job related activities for home.

Whether planning a lunch with your peers or dining with a prospective employer, being considerate can mean success, according to etiquette expert Wendy Kaufman, president of Balancing Lifes Issues, Inc. It may seem silly, but if you are ordering Chinese food, find out if the odor offends anyone particularly important for a working lunch in a conference room or other small spaces, says Kaufman. Always offer to share and never, under any circumstance, eat off anyone elses plate. She reminds clients of the basics: Dont reach across the table, chew with your mouth closed and remember to hold the door for the person behind you.

Uncommon courtesy

Getting to know you: How to interact with co-workers when new on the job
To help those grads who are ill-prepared for the more formal communication practices of the working world, here are some tips on interacting with co-workers. Listen: While a new worker may want to show her enthusiasm by speaking up at meetings, it may be more helpful to listen and pick up on the way others communicate. The first two weeks at your job should be all about listening, says JT Sweeney, a recent graduate and marketing assistant at information technology consulting firm York Solutions. Be confident and concise: Big meetings or brainstorms can be intimidating, so when you are ready to talk, your nerves might take over. This may lead to long-winded answers or getting your thoughts lost in the shuffle. Respect authority: Learn quickly the lines of authority and chain of command, says career coach Roy Cohen. Never interrupt or disagree with your boss in group meetings and in the presence of more senior management. It is unappreciated and it will backfire. You will be viewed as a loose cannon. Although your intentions may be sincere, a confrontational style in public may label you as difficult to manage or motivated by political ambition. Neither are labels to be burdened with so early in your career. Be friendly, but not friends, with your boss: While befriending your manager may seem like a quick way to get on her good side, blurring the lines between boss and friend may be uncomfortable. It may also make it more difficult for her to give you constructive feedback, something thats essential for career growth. Your boss is not your buddy, Cohen says. Refrain from informal conversation and from oversharing personal business. It is far more challenging to correct a bad impression than to establish one that is brand-new and untarnished.

In a tough job market, it pays to separate yourself from others. To out-shine the competition, its essential for job seekers to make a good first impression, says career expert Peter Handal. Remembering something as simple as a smile can go a long way. Handal also suggests being flexibile with your availability to let the employer know they are your priority. Also, be persistent in the followup to your application or interview and call on friends or previous supervisors to search for potential jobs.

Initial encounter

JOBSEEKERS: TURN INSIDE FOR GREAT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

INSIDE

Podiatrists finding new demand

for their specialized care

WORK NOTES Share the wealth

hen researching a potential employer, be sure to check out the companys client list whenever possible. Many dot-com companies of the 1990s made their money by serving one or two major clients. When those clients pulled the plug, so did the web-based upstarts. Even today, many businesses still pay their bills by serving a limited number of clients. The more diverse the client list, the more likely the company will be around for years to come.

On the ready
or months, youve been sending out resumes, filling out online applications and waiting waiting waiting. And just when you think all hope is lost, like a bolt of lighting from the sky, you land that ever-elusive interview. Theres nothing more exciting and confidence-boosting in a long job-hunt than landing an in-person interview. Finally, you have a chance to take center stage in front of your potential employer and show off your true personality, knowledge and talents. How you come across in this critical part of a job search depends on how well you prepare, so its key to use your time wisely beforehand to ensure you arent left sweating under the collar and scrambling for the right words. Instead of just talking about your work history, be prepared to present your achievements as challenges overcome or problems solved, noting what you did when something went wrong or needed to be fixed. Know how to quantify your career success using dollar amounts, percentages, and other specific details to present your value. The questions you pose in a job interview can be just as significant as the questions you answer. Not asking questions can demonstrate disinterest in the company and the position. Go into the interview with some thoughtful questions that demonstrate both your knowledge of the company and the industry, as well as your enthusiasm in learning more and advancing your skills, says Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam, an administrative staffing firm. Job seekers can set themselves apart by asking intelligent questions about the company and the position, Hosking says. Before interviews, candidates should thoroughly research the employer and come up with questions that show interest in and knowledge of the organization. Dont ask questions on topics such as compensation, benefits and vacation time until the employer has expressed intent. Its also useful to pose questions that will shed light on the corporate culture and what it takes to be successful in the role, he says. While many workplaces have eased their rules for employee attire, its important to project a polished look in an interview. Hiring managers usually size up a candidate in the first few minutes, so you dont want their focus to be on your un-tucked shirt or open-toed sandals. Always dress professionally and err on the

Hitch your wagon

ccording to Donald Asher, a San Francisco-based career coach, highly successful people create a suction effect below them that can create rapid career advancement for those who report to superstars. If you can, identify and get to work for these managers. As they advance, so can you, Asher says. Your career can advance twice or even three times as fast as it would based on your performance alone.

Sell yourself

at Envisioning th to walk of fame in d? job-landing lan Rem Activ ember: prep e, intens a e requ ration is job i ired for nter view

Cash flow

f you know youre going to lose your job, be sure to tie up all loose ends with your soon-to-be former employer. Talk to the companys human resources contacts for a clear understanding of what will happen to any available money in your pension plan, 401(k) plan, stock portfolio and any other company-based funds. You should also talk to an outside consultant about ways to continue earning money on your accounts once your job is terminated.

Be ready to ask

conservative side when picking an outfit. Before you head into an interview, be sure to turn off your cell phone or leave it somewhere safe outside the room, says Matt Eventoff, a communications professional and owner of Princeton Public Speaking. Glancing at your phone, texting, taking a call, etc., all sends the message that the phone is more important than the person you are talking to, Eventoff says. In addition, small steps like handing out a personalized business card or sending a short thank-you note or email shortly after the interview can go a long way toward leaving a good impression. If youre asked to come in for an interview, its safe to assume your online profiles are being scoured for red flags. Having unflattering photos of yourself on Facebook or Twitter or writing an overly critical blog post about a former employer can quickly kill your chances of getting a job offer. You never know when an opportunity will arise, so its vital to keep your public online presence as professional as possible. Sure, this seems obvious, but you dont want to be among those who have blown a big opportunity simply by arriving a few minutes late for an interview. Make sure you adequately clear your schedule and have reliable transportation to get you there at least several minutes early.

Dont be too exposed

Shake a leg

ommunication between co-workers in a large office building is often limited to email, phone conversations and inter-office mail. While these may be efficient ways of transferring information, they dont exactly help you bond or network with others. Instead of hitting that send button each time you need to contact a person upstairs, get out of your chair and pay your co-worker a quick visit. Aside from showing your peers that you actually exist in human form, you can get a few minutes of exercise and a break from your daily monotony.

Dont be late!

THE BIG QUESTION

Reach out for help

Role model

Be a pro

Do you have a mentor at work?

Responses inside
This weeks question:
Is a degree necessary for a successful career? Email careerbuilder@tribune.com.

Networking is one of the most important aspects of landing a job, so dont hesitate to reach out to friends, family and former co-workers and bosses when preparing for a job interview. They might be able to offer a helpful tip or, if they happen to know someone at the hiring company or work in the same industry, even offer a personal recommendation. The reality is you never know who holds the key, or knows the person, who may be the most helpful to you, Eventoff says. Jason Lee, Tribune Media Services