According to the January 2012 Employment Situation Report, the official unemployment rate now stands at 8.5 percent – the lowest it’s been in two years. Nominal job gains were realized in warehousing, transportation, retail trade, manufacturing, health care and mining.

The unemployment rate for adult men fell to 8 percent, and 7.9 percent for women. Blacks, however, are experiencing nearly twice the unemployment rate as whites, at 15.8 percent compared to 7.5 percent.

The bad news is that the declining topline unemployment figure doesn’t quite tell the whole story.

According to the BLS, there was no real decline in the number of people who were “marginally attached to the labor force” over the past year.

Perhaps more disturbingly, unemployment during this economic downturn has been alarmingly persistent. More than 5 million people report having been unemployed for 27 weeks or more. That’s 42.5 percent of the people who are listed as unemployed.

That number is almost certainly low – there remain nearly 1 million “discouraged workers,” not counted in the unemployment figures, who have dropped out of the work force because they don’t believe there are any jobs out there they can realistically compete for.

A gap in a resume for that long hurts – especially for information technology workers who need to keep up with changes in technology and trends. A gap of six months or more between engagements on a resume means atrophying skills and aging contacts. Rightly or wrongly, it also makes some hiring managers wince… what is wrong with this person that the application and resume isn’t mentioning?” they may ask themselves.

By itself, it shouldn’t be a deal-breaker. But it is something you’ll need to deal with as you go through your job hunt. Some ideas:

Use a functional resume. The functional resume format inverts the traditional chronological resume, and instead moves the most relevant work experience to the top, and organizes information by skill sets instead of by job titles. This may help you deemphasize any gaps in your resume.

Further your education. “I took some time to obtain this masters’ degree” sounds a lot better than “I’ve sent out 100 resumes and you were my first callback in six months.” Degree or certificate programs, continuing education, licensing and other coursework is tax deductible, as long as those programs don’t qualify you for a new profession. If you’re a technology person, getting a new credential in networking may be tax deductible; taking flying lessons may not be.

Improve your foreign language skills. Can’t afford grad school? This can pay big dividends in a variety of ways, and costs a lot less than graduate school. “I took the time to get very intense about studying Spanish / English / Chinese / German / anything else can really take the sting out of an uncomfortable resume gap, depending on the circumstances.

Read trade journals. If you’ve been out of the workforce for a while, it’s extra important to be able to show prospective employers that you’ve been keeping pace with developments in your industry. Subscriptions to trade journals are tax deductible, even if you’re unemployed, as long as the expense relates to your current profession and not to a new one. If you can’t afford a subscription, stay in close touch with colleagues and get their issues, or go to your local library. Your librarian may be able to help you get periodicals your library doesn’t carry.

Sign on with an agency. A good employment agency or temp agency can be of tremendous value in helping you avoid long gaps in your resume. Even temporary work can help you gain valuable skills and contacts for the future. If you find yourself unemployed, an employment agency specializing in your field should be your first stop. To sign up with Vitaver & Associates, click here.

Stay active in your profession. Unemployed? Now is a great time to step up in your professional and community organizations. Become a leader. You’ve got some time now. Attend meetings, and volunteer at key events. Each one will put you in contact with people in your industry, who can see your organizational and leadership skills first hand. Again, dues for professional organizations are tax deductible, as long as they relate to your current profession and not to a new one.

The bottom line: Don’t let those gaps just happen. Take ownership of your time, and be proactive with your career and professional development. The jobs will come to those who treat their job hunts like a job.

Hourly updated employment opportunities in our CAREER section!

Furthermore, smart employers appreciate a job candidate with a long-term view and one who asks intelligent questions. Deftly and tactfully interviewing the interviewer can help separate you from the pack of applicants, and perhaps give you the leg up you need to get the offer. The bottom line:

1. Do your homework. Yes, everyone says do your homework. But few sites actually get into doing a proper job of due diligence. Do a bit of research on the principals of the company. Sometimes you will find one or more of the principals of a company, or even your direct supervisor, has a criminal record, such as a conviction or accusation of fraud or embezzlement. You should know this going in.

2. Delve into the financials. If the company is publicly traded, it may help to understand whether and how the company makes money. If the company is bleeding red ink, ask your prospective employer about his assessment of a path to profitability. In the long run, only a profitable company is going to be able to pay you very well. Money losing companies tend to drag employees down with them.

3. Look prepared. Have some specific questions you want to ask that are written down. That makes it look like you are thorough and you took the time to learn about the company. Your questions should be more than Wikipedia deep. It’s ok to put a little spin on the ball, but don’t put the manager on the spot.

4. Don’t just talk a job. Talk a career path. Ask about typical avenues for advancement in the company. Or ask where the supervisor sees the department going at the end of the quarter, year, or five years. If you can steer the conversation into how you can help them get there, you win.

5. Evaluation. Ask about how your performance will be evaluated, and by whom. This isn’t an idle chit-chat question – the intent is to deliberately guide the interview into concrete topics that help the interviewer imagine you already filling the position! Sometimes, talk about evaluation criteria can lead directly to discussion of compensation. This is always tricky, but if you can get to the compensation point without committing to a figure before the company does, you are in good shape. Use caution, though: If you commit to a figure too soon, the company could use that information against you. Don’t bring up salary before they do, and don’t get involved in a discussion of compensation before you have been able to build a perception of value in what you have to offer. The bottom line: Make them want you. THEN talk comp.
Remember, based on the information you gather, you may not even want the job. If the company is going down the tubes, of if the management has a less than stellar track record, and you can’t clear the air at the first interview, you may want to pass on the opportunity. This is valuable information right there.

If, after having performed the due diligence, you do want the job, then your object is to move the conversation towards the offer. If your conversation is very specific about career opportunities, the company’s plans for the department in the coming months, your job performance criteria and your supervisor, you are quickly getting details out of the way, so that the only thing left is to accept or decline an offer. The trick is to get there quickly, but not so quickly that you haven’t had a chance to build a perception of value in yourself.

In the end, job interviewing is exactly like sales: Identify what they want, confirm that you can deliver what they want, and make it easy for them to visualize you in that role. Understand that they must do the same thing, selling themselves and their opportunity to you.

Good luck.

Want a Job offer? Find an opportunity in our CAREER section.
Our professional recruiters will help you get an Interview!
____________________________________

Over-preparation is an easy trap to fall into, particularly if you are keen on a job and want to give it your very best shot – or if you have under-prepared and been caught out in the past. However there are a few signs that your interviewer will pick up – if you’ve overcooked it on the over-prep a little.

If I am an interviewer, here’s how I know you’ve done too much work:

• You talk at me, not with me. By this I mean you do not check to see I am listening by looking into my eyes or at my body language. The signs that I have disengaged will often be a quick flick of my eyes. If you’ve over prepared and determined to continue with what you want to say, you’ll miss that cue and continue on while I am quietly nodding off and trying not to show it.
• You use words you wouldn’t normally use in everyday conversation.
• You tend to paraphrase your actions with some with text-book descriptions of actions you should take. You sound like you have just read the text book on “perfect responses.”
• Your answers do not quite hit the mark. The answers have some of the detail I have asked for in my question, but not all.
• You sound scripted and nothing like the person who walked in with me and made casual conversation as we sat down. Your speech is too quick, or too mannered. You are in interview mode.

So how much preparation is too much preparation – and how can you slow yourself down?

Before the interview, by all means come up with examples that you’d like to present. Many questions have common themes and behaviours that you’ll be required to demonstrate. But instead of writing your answers out in full and learning your lines, just jot down some bullet points. Talk them out as you would in a conversation. That will stop you sounding scripted at least.

Remember your words are important, but text book sentences are not. We never speak in the same way that we write. And if we do, we sound a little odd. There really is no point learning your lines.

In interview focus on whether the other person understands you, not so much on the words that you are saying. This is a small but hugely significant thing to do. You can change your tone, example, pace and words that will help the other person get your message. If you focus on the other person, it helps make the interviewer think that they are the only person in the world that you want to talk with.

Remind yourself it’s OK to take your time answering a question.

In interview, I like to hear the sound of someone thinking. It means the interviewee is responding in a genuine way to me, and that their answer will be a better reflection of what they have done on a job, instead of something they have practiced.

For more interview tips, visit InterviewIQ.

Hourly updated employment opportunities in our Career section!
___________________________

Because there is technology involved, the requirements are different compared to in-person interviews. Just in case you are asked to have a video interview, take note of these tips:

• Prepare yourself
Make sure you have e-mailed your resume and other documents beforehand. Keep a copy with you even during the interview. Prepare your mind and body. Also, research in advance the basic information of the company you’re applying for.

• Rehearse
The questions in a video interview are normally not that different from those asked in an in-person interview. It is also best to get rid of your anxiety. You may not be used to talking with or seeing someone through a video.

• Ensure that equipment works
Do not wait until the eleventh hour before you conduct some tests. See to it that the microphone works, and the person on the other end can hear you. There should be a dependable Internet connection, and a video camera that can zoom in on you, particularly around the face and shoulder areas. Minimize surrounding noise.

• Dress the part
Just because you’ll be interviewed outside the office does not mean you have to look casual, especially at the bottom when you’re just wearing shorts. There is danger in doing that. The client may just find out if you accidentally stand up. Dress as if you are really going on a formal interview. Dressing the part can also help improve your level of self-confidence. You will feel more relaxed.

• Get rid of any distractions
If the camera can capture your table, make sure it is neat. Keep your hands together and place them on the table. The walls should be very clean, and there should be no people walking around you. You don’t want to distract yourself and the interviewer.

• Speak slowly
The microphone has a tendency to muffle your sounds, so it is recommended you speak slowly. This will also give you time to gather your thoughts as you speak. Nevertheless, avoid speaking too leisurely. You don’t want to give the impression you are not sure of what you are talking about.

• Maintain eye contact
Maintaining an eye contact with the interviewer during a video interview is not difficult to achieve. All you have to do is look straight into the web camera.

If you are being interviewed by more than one person, it is recommended you gather their names first and familiarize yourself with how they look. This way, you know where to face when addressing them.

• Listen very carefully
The headphones may pick up other sounds, or your interviewer speaks in a rather low voice. Either way, listen carefully. If you have questions, you can save them for later. If you cannot hear at all, don’t be afraid to tell the interviewer about the issue.

Check out our Hot Jobs section to find the right job for you!
__________________________

It baffles me. How such a simple question throws off so many.

And then it doesn’t baffle me. Because I’ve been through a job search. And I meet with job seekers every week and see the brains working as the answer is being generated. And I know at least one reason why people struggle.

It is a question that I have never seen someone answer to my satisfaction. Without some prodding…

Read the original article: The One Question Job Seekers Struggle To Answer

]]> http://www.vitaver.com/blog/2010/10/the-one-question-job-seekers-struggle-to-answer/feed/ 0 http://www.vitaver.com/blog/2010/09/the-how%e2%80%99s-during-a-phone-interview/ http://www.vitaver.com/blog/2010/09/the-how%e2%80%99s-during-a-phone-interview/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 20:35:45 +0000 Michael Gabriel http://www.vitaver.com/blog/?p=3060 Continue reading →]]> A lot of companies these days use phone interviews. With just a simple phone call, they can save time by eliminating the not-so good candidates. For the applicants, though, this is going to be a make-or-break step.

To breeze through the phone interview, consider the following tips:

• Expect a call.
You did not submit your resume for no reason. You somehow hope the company will contact you for an interview. Expecting the call is good for you. This will reduce the nervousness you are going to feel during the actual call. You will also be forced to make more preparations.

• Carry your resume around.
Some HR officers will call you beforehand, telling you the interview schedule. Most, however, do not. Just to be sure, have your resume ready at all times. Although you can keep all information in your head, you really don’t want to count on that. It is common for job-seekers to suffer from mental block when under a lot of pressure.

• Stay away from the crowd.
Also, stay away from places with too many people. These include the mall, market, department store, children’s playground, busy streets, etc.

It is very important for you to hear the caller’s voice very clearly. Requesting the interviewer to repeat the questions can sometimes be very awkward. A quiet environment will make the conversation more pleasant.

• Turn off call waiting.
To avoid any interruption during the conversation, turn off phone features that may cut the line. This includes the call waiting feature.

• Speak slowly.
There are two reasons for this. First, the slowness will give you enough time to compose your thoughts while you speak. Second, your voice will be heard very clearly on the other line.

• Give different contact details.
Besides your cell phone, provide your landline number. This way, if you can’t be reached through your mobile, the company has another alternative. Sometimes, a number of mobile phones do not function well and are very prone to lost signal, low battery, and frequent interference.

• Consider giving other alternatives.
Sometimes the call may happen while you are in a tight situation or when you are driving. If this happens, be frank enough to tell the interviewer of your condition and why you cannot take the call just yet. After declining, suggest another option or tell the caller to call you back within minutes.

• Practice the interview.
You can come up, prepare, and practice with standard telephone interview questions. Have someone call you up and answer the questions as if you are really talking to a company interviewer. Allow the other person to assess you. By practicing, you can minimize dead times and pauses.

• Take down notes.
If you passed the phone interview, you will be asked for another interview – this time it’s an actual one. Some of the questions asked during the phone interview might be raised again. Sometimes, you will be asked to confirm some of your previous answers. For consistency, take down notes during the phone interview. You can also record it. Just ask for the caller’s permission first to record the phone call.

Check out our Hot Jobs section for the latest opportunities.
____________________________________

There are many ways on how you can breeze through the process and come out not only victorious but also very impressive. How is that for a good start in the company? You may simply have to keep in mind these tips:

Before the Interview:
• Meditate.
Or do something that will make you release those jumpy nerves. You can practice visualization too. Picture yourself facing and talking to several people. Through this, you can already determine how you are going to act in front of the panel. The more you meditate and visualize, the more you will feel comfortable about the idea.

• Research.
You can plan yourself with a series of test questions, but nothing will completely prepare you. The key is to just research — the company, the nature of your job, and even the people who will probably interview you. Normally, a panel interview involves the top guns. These include the middle- and top-level managers.

• Dress appropriately.
There is really such a thing as “dress to impress”, and you should do this in one swoop. Dressing can also affect your own mood. When you look professional, you will also think and act like one.

During the Interview:
• Maintain eye contact.
Here is the good news: the interviewers don’t talk all together during a panel interview. To show your sincerity, make sure you maintain eye contact to the one who’s asking the question. In the middle of your answer, you can then start shifting your focus to the rest of the interviewers. Then before you close, return your attention to the source of the question.

• Keep your hands on your lap.
When you are made to sit in the middle of the room, the best thing to do is to keep your back on the chair and place your hands on your lap. This way, you are free to move them when you want to make an emphasis. Crossing your arms is considered rude and inappropriate.

• Take time to answer.
But make sure it is not too long. You simply have to organize your thoughts. Remember, if you are going to mess up, you’re going to do so big time.

• Listen to your own answers.
Anticipate plenty of follow-up questions during the course of the interview, so your main goal is to establish consistency to all your answers.

After the Interview:
• Give thanks to the panel.
Once the interview is over, take time to give everyone a very firm handshake and a gracious “Thank you!”.

Check out our Hot Jobs section for the latest opportunities.
_____________________________________

Manners are not only important at the dinner table (use your napkin, please), on the telephone (listen as well as speak), in a theater (refrain from talking during the performance), but also during a job interview. Yet many job seekers forget the importance of being polite. They jingle the change in their pocket, click their tongue, stare at the wall or at their lap, or cut in when the hiring manager is speaking…

Read the original article here: Job Interview Etiquette: Mind Your Ps and Qs

Check out our Hot Jobs section for the latest opportunities.

__________________________________________

Some of the best employment advice you can get is as true today as it was back in your grandfather’s day. Here are three ways to find a job faster from two books published more than 65 years ago …

Real wisdom is timeless.

Read the original article here: Old School Job Search Tips You Ought To Use

Check out our Hot Jobs section for the latest opportunities.

______________________________________

1. Briefing on the job and company
Have you got the full briefing of the job including tasks, reporting lines, location, travel requirements, salary range etc? If not, get it immediately. The more information you have, the more you can tailor your questions and sound like you know what you are talking about. What do you know about the company? Again, make sure you have information on the company and familiarize yourself with their website, check press releases and stock quotes to get an idea of what is happening at the moment. A candidate who is updated on the company and the industry will impress.

2. Research the people
Who are the interviewers, how do they fit into the organization, what type of people are they? This is where your online sleuthing skills come very handy. The interviewers will have full information on you courtesy of your resume so it’s only fair you do some digging as well. Scour any resources including LinkedIn, Facebook and other social networking sites for information.

3. What to wear
Do you know what the dress code is? You would be surprised how many candidates assume they know this and get it horribly wrong. Find out what your interviewers are likely to wear, so that you can wear something similar, only a touch more formal. Ways of finding this out would be calling the company reception/HR/line manager and asking. This also gives you an opportunity to further acquaint yourself with the people.

4. Directions
Do you have the route description and have you called the company reception to double check everything? Don’t just rely on the SatNav in your car, bring a map in case strikes. The worst thing that could happen is you arriving late; avoid this by giving yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.

5. Arriving at the office
Act confident and courteous. Strike up a conversation with the receptionist; make sure you leave a good impression with everyone in that office. When the interviewer picks you up, offer a firm handshake and crack on with some small talk before the meeting starts. By mirroring the interviewers body language, you will make him or her feel comfortable with you from the outset.

The interview will now start and you will do your best as your preparation was immaculate and you got off the best possible start. Good luck!

Check out our Hot Jobs section for the latest opportunities.

_________________________________________