Date and Time:May 17, 2011
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Facility:Duluth Dave & Buster's
4000 Venture Dr NW
Duluth, GA 30096Contact Information:Email Contact: Debi.Green@employmentguide.com
Monday, April 25, 2011
Career Fair
Date and Time:May 17, 2011
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Facility:Duluth Dave & Buster's
4000 Venture Dr NW
Duluth, GA 30096Contact Information:Email Contact: Debi.Green@employmentguide.com
Atlanta Career Fair
Atlanta Career Fair
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Holiday Inn-Decatur Conference Plaza
130 Clairemont Ave
Decatur, GA 30030
http://www.nationalcareerfairs.com/career_fairs/details/GA/Atlanta/June/8/2011/
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Holiday Inn-Decatur Conference Plaza
130 Clairemont Ave
Decatur, GA 30030
http://www.nationalcareerfairs.com/career_fairs/details/GA/Atlanta/June/8/2011/
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
20 Things to AVOID in an Interview
20 things to AVOID in an interview
http://careersearchtoolbox.com/free-tools/
- Poor eye contact with the interviewer
- Late arrival for the interview
- Lack of confidence and poise, nervousness
- Lack of manners or common courtesy
- Lack of enthusiasm
- Lack of genuine interest in company / position
- Overbearing or "know it all" attitude
- Inability to express your thoughts clearly
- Poor grammar, tone / volume, diction
- Over emphasis on pay / money
- Criticism of past employers
- Failure to show the interviewer any appreciation when finished
- Unwillingness to consider relocation if neccessary
- Failure to ask questions about the job or company
- Poor personal hygiene or appearance
- Too high of expectations
- Incomplete / messy application form
- Intolerant, strong prejudices
- Rambling pointless answers to questions
- Lack of a career plan or goals
http://careersearchtoolbox.com/free-tools/
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Common interview questions and how to answer them...
Question: Why do you want to work at our company?
TRAPS: This question tests whether you’ve done any homework about the firm. If you haven’t, you lose. If you have, you win big.
BEST ANSWER: This question is your opportunity to hit the ball out of the park, thanks to the in-depth research you should do before any interview.
Best sources for researching your target company: annual reports, the corporate newsletter, contacts you know at the company or its suppliers, advertisements, articles about the company in the trade press.
TRAPS: This question tests whether you’ve done any homework about the firm. If you haven’t, you lose. If you have, you win big.
BEST ANSWER: This question is your opportunity to hit the ball out of the park, thanks to the in-depth research you should do before any interview.
Best sources for researching your target company: annual reports, the corporate newsletter, contacts you know at the company or its suppliers, advertisements, articles about the company in the trade press.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
9 Good Signs for Job Growth
Every month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its monthly employment report, which tracks job market indicators like national employment level, average hourly pay and hours worked. Because the BLS report is also the source for the official unemployment rate, it's often seen as the authority on the U.S. employment situation.
While the BLS numbers are certainly important, there are plenty of other gauges that provide different and supplementary benchmarks about the state of the job market. So instead of only recapping the BLS numbers, we decided to take a look at the employment situation from a more holistic standpoint. Here's a look at nine encouraging signs ... all of which point to job growth.
1. The unemployment rate is down: According to the BLS Employment Situation Report for March 2011, the unemployment rate fell to 8.8 percent, a full percentage point lower than it was in November 2010 and the lowest level since March 2009. The economy also added 216,000 jobs this March, beating economist predictions and solidifying a trend toward recovery.
2. The number of online job listings is up: Each month, The Conference Board's Help Wanted Online report looks at the number of advertised job postings online. In March 2011, there were 4.45 million job ads posted, an increase of 208,000 over February 2011 and up from 3.73 million in March 2010. In the first quarter of 2011, the number of job postings online rose by 600,000.
3. Private sector hiring is up: According to the ADP jobs report, which tracks the month-to-month change in private sector job levels, approximately 201,000 jobs were added in March, with small business hiring accounting for about half of all jobs added. The number is especially positive considering that on April 1, 2009, ADP reported the economy had lost 742,000 jobs the month prior.
4. Business owners expect more sales, increased hiring: The Spring 2011 PNC Economic Outlook Survey, which polls business owners on their overall attitudes about the economy, found that 48 percent expect their sales to increase in the next six months, up from 42 percent of those surveyed in the fall. Twenty-four percent expect to hire full-time employees, a number that is twice as high as it was in the spring of 2009, when only 12 percent planned to do so.
5. Employers are hiring more: Twenty-eight percent of employers surveyed for CareerBuilder's Q2 forecastsaid they added new, full-time employees in the first quarter of 2011, the highest number in three years. Twenty eight percent of employers also said they planned to hire more full-time workers in the second quarter of 2011.
6. CEOs are optimistic: The Business Roundtable CEO Outlook Index, which tracks optimism among CEOs of some of the nation's largest companies, reached an all time high in the first quarter of 2011. The economic outlook index reached 113 last quarter, up from 101 in Q4 2010, and the highest level since the Business Roundtable Index began in 2002. Previously, the index peaked at 104 in 2005.
7. First-time unemployment claims are dropping: Since new unemployment claims are typically filed immediately following a job loss, the number of initial unemployment insurance filings is seen as a gauge for the pace of layoffs. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, initial claims fell by 6,000 to 388,000 the week ending March 26. While 388,000 is still a lot of people, at the height of the recession that number was closer to 651,000 applications per week. At the end of March 2010, claims hovered near 450,000.
8. Manufacturing is picking up: According to the latest Leading Indicators of National Employment surveyfrom the Society for Human Resource Management, manufacturing has seen an increase in both hiring and compensation trends. Year-over-year, expected hiring is up 10.6 percent, and compensation is up 5.3 percent. According to the Institute for Supply Management, as of March 2011, the manufacturing sector had expanded for 20 straight months.
9. Layoffs are slowing: A monthly report by outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas, which monitors job cuts, found that the number of announced layoffs in March 2011 was 41,528 -- 18 percent fewer than the number announced in February 2011, and 39 percent fewer than in March 2010. Overall, the survey found that employers announced 130,749 layoffs in the first quarter of 2011, the lowest first quarter total since 1995, when 97,716 cuts were announced.
While we won't pretend to claim that the job market is exactly healthy, we will say that -- based on the above factors -- it's clearly improving. And after years of nothing but negative numbers, the positive ones are certainly something worth celebrating. By Kaitlin Madden
While the BLS numbers are certainly important, there are plenty of other gauges that provide different and supplementary benchmarks about the state of the job market. So instead of only recapping the BLS numbers, we decided to take a look at the employment situation from a more holistic standpoint. Here's a look at nine encouraging signs ... all of which point to job growth.
1. The unemployment rate is down: According to the BLS Employment Situation Report for March 2011, the unemployment rate fell to 8.8 percent, a full percentage point lower than it was in November 2010 and the lowest level since March 2009. The economy also added 216,000 jobs this March, beating economist predictions and solidifying a trend toward recovery.
2. The number of online job listings is up: Each month, The Conference Board's Help Wanted Online report looks at the number of advertised job postings online. In March 2011, there were 4.45 million job ads posted, an increase of 208,000 over February 2011 and up from 3.73 million in March 2010. In the first quarter of 2011, the number of job postings online rose by 600,000.
3. Private sector hiring is up: According to the ADP jobs report, which tracks the month-to-month change in private sector job levels, approximately 201,000 jobs were added in March, with small business hiring accounting for about half of all jobs added. The number is especially positive considering that on April 1, 2009, ADP reported the economy had lost 742,000 jobs the month prior.
4. Business owners expect more sales, increased hiring: The Spring 2011 PNC Economic Outlook Survey, which polls business owners on their overall attitudes about the economy, found that 48 percent expect their sales to increase in the next six months, up from 42 percent of those surveyed in the fall. Twenty-four percent expect to hire full-time employees, a number that is twice as high as it was in the spring of 2009, when only 12 percent planned to do so.
5. Employers are hiring more: Twenty-eight percent of employers surveyed for CareerBuilder's Q2 forecastsaid they added new, full-time employees in the first quarter of 2011, the highest number in three years. Twenty eight percent of employers also said they planned to hire more full-time workers in the second quarter of 2011.
6. CEOs are optimistic: The Business Roundtable CEO Outlook Index, which tracks optimism among CEOs of some of the nation's largest companies, reached an all time high in the first quarter of 2011. The economic outlook index reached 113 last quarter, up from 101 in Q4 2010, and the highest level since the Business Roundtable Index began in 2002. Previously, the index peaked at 104 in 2005.
7. First-time unemployment claims are dropping: Since new unemployment claims are typically filed immediately following a job loss, the number of initial unemployment insurance filings is seen as a gauge for the pace of layoffs. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, initial claims fell by 6,000 to 388,000 the week ending March 26. While 388,000 is still a lot of people, at the height of the recession that number was closer to 651,000 applications per week. At the end of March 2010, claims hovered near 450,000.
8. Manufacturing is picking up: According to the latest Leading Indicators of National Employment surveyfrom the Society for Human Resource Management, manufacturing has seen an increase in both hiring and compensation trends. Year-over-year, expected hiring is up 10.6 percent, and compensation is up 5.3 percent. According to the Institute for Supply Management, as of March 2011, the manufacturing sector had expanded for 20 straight months.
9. Layoffs are slowing: A monthly report by outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas, which monitors job cuts, found that the number of announced layoffs in March 2011 was 41,528 -- 18 percent fewer than the number announced in February 2011, and 39 percent fewer than in March 2010. Overall, the survey found that employers announced 130,749 layoffs in the first quarter of 2011, the lowest first quarter total since 1995, when 97,716 cuts were announced.
While we won't pretend to claim that the job market is exactly healthy, we will say that -- based on the above factors -- it's clearly improving. And after years of nothing but negative numbers, the positive ones are certainly something worth celebrating. By Kaitlin Madden
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
10 Must-do tips for jobs seekers
10 Must-do tips for jobs seekers
As a job seeker, finding the right position can be frustrating. But there are ways to make your search a little bit easier. Here are 10 tips from career experts to simplify your job search:
Bing: Common and avoidable job search mistakes
1. Learn how to get past the generic HR inbox Typically, emailing your résumé to human resources or filling out an online application means it will get short shrift once opened on the other end. Most of the time, they are screened by a software program for keywords that correspond with the job requirements. "People need to understand what an applicant tracking system is, what it looks for and how to maximize the odds that your résumé will pass through the [system], and move on to human eyeballs," says Jenny Foss, founder of Ladder Recruiting Group, who blogs at jobjenny.com.
2. Don't stress over the résumé If you have a limited amount of time, don't spend it all at your computer crafting a cover letter or preparing your résumé. "Cover letters and résumés come a distant third or fourth [as the most important part of] your job search -- never rely solely on them," says Rich Gee, an executive coach. Instead, Gee suggests using the time to make connections at your dream company even if there are no openings. "[Target] a company because you would kill to work there -- not because it has open positions," he says.
3. Create a job-search plan Just because you're looking for a job doesn't mean you need to apply to every position that comes your way. Instead, take the time to think through a specific plan for how you're going to land your next gig, Foss says. "Create an overall strategy, and then break it down into tactical efforts. Schedule your week, your days, your hours and know what you are going to do every day, before you get in front of the computer and surf aimlessly for eight hours," she says.
4. Conduct research before each interview Even if you've had a dozen interviews in the past three months, that doesn't mean you shouldn't prepare for the next one. Always take the time to understand the company -- beyond just looking at the website. Also, meet with people who have held similar roles or who work at the company. Knowing about the company and the position can help you be calmer during the interview.
5. Accept tea or water Ward off nervousness by using this interview trick: "At the beginning of the interview, if the interviewer asks if you want water, tea, etc., always say yes," says Alesia Benedict, chief executive of GetInterviews.com. "It serves as a great prop if you need to stall a moment and gather your thoughts before responding to a question." Use it when the interviewer presents tricky questions that you'd like to take a few seconds to think about.
6. Pay attention to the details Anything from misspelling the interviewer's name in a post-interview thank-you note to coming in a few minutes late for an interview can cost you a job. To avoid mishaps, pay extra attention to all of your dealings with potential employers.
7. Tap into your alumni network Many universities have well-maintained alumni networks; contact your alumni club for an up-to-date directory. Use the directory to find people who can help you land your next job. Many of them are eager to help fellow alums because of loyalty to the school.
8. Keep emails formal Even if you're simply confirming the meeting time to your interview, it's important to put your best foot forward, Benedict says. Skip terms written in shorthand like "thanx" or "2morrow," which come off as unprofessional. "Your email messages should be as clean and polished as a cover letter would be," she says.
9. Include a ZIP code on your résumé If you're looking for a job in your area, it's a good idea to leave your ZIP code in your address, even if it doesn't seem necessary at the time. "Recruiters often give preference to candidates who are local and will do a search on ZIP codes in the résumé databases to find candidates," Benedict says.
10. Be truthful It can be tempting to appear as if you have far more expertise than you do, especially if you're just starting out, but exaggerating your experience will likely backfire. Employers are looking for trustworthy individuals and are unlikely to hire someone who they have a hunch isn't being totally truthful.
Bing: Find a job placement agency near you
Alina Dizik researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder.com. Follow @CareerBuilder on Twitter. Copyright 2011 Careerbuilder.com. All rights reserved. The information contained in this article may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior written authority.
As a job seeker, finding the right position can be frustrating. But there are ways to make your search a little bit easier. Here are 10 tips from career experts to simplify your job search:
Bing: Common and avoidable job search mistakes
1. Learn how to get past the generic HR inbox Typically, emailing your résumé to human resources or filling out an online application means it will get short shrift once opened on the other end. Most of the time, they are screened by a software program for keywords that correspond with the job requirements. "People need to understand what an applicant tracking system is, what it looks for and how to maximize the odds that your résumé will pass through the [system], and move on to human eyeballs," says Jenny Foss, founder of Ladder Recruiting Group, who blogs at jobjenny.com.
2. Don't stress over the résumé If you have a limited amount of time, don't spend it all at your computer crafting a cover letter or preparing your résumé. "Cover letters and résumés come a distant third or fourth [as the most important part of] your job search -- never rely solely on them," says Rich Gee, an executive coach. Instead, Gee suggests using the time to make connections at your dream company even if there are no openings. "[Target] a company because you would kill to work there -- not because it has open positions," he says.
3. Create a job-search plan Just because you're looking for a job doesn't mean you need to apply to every position that comes your way. Instead, take the time to think through a specific plan for how you're going to land your next gig, Foss says. "Create an overall strategy, and then break it down into tactical efforts. Schedule your week, your days, your hours and know what you are going to do every day, before you get in front of the computer and surf aimlessly for eight hours," she says.
4. Conduct research before each interview Even if you've had a dozen interviews in the past three months, that doesn't mean you shouldn't prepare for the next one. Always take the time to understand the company -- beyond just looking at the website. Also, meet with people who have held similar roles or who work at the company. Knowing about the company and the position can help you be calmer during the interview.
5. Accept tea or water Ward off nervousness by using this interview trick: "At the beginning of the interview, if the interviewer asks if you want water, tea, etc., always say yes," says Alesia Benedict, chief executive of GetInterviews.com. "It serves as a great prop if you need to stall a moment and gather your thoughts before responding to a question." Use it when the interviewer presents tricky questions that you'd like to take a few seconds to think about.
6. Pay attention to the details Anything from misspelling the interviewer's name in a post-interview thank-you note to coming in a few minutes late for an interview can cost you a job. To avoid mishaps, pay extra attention to all of your dealings with potential employers.
7. Tap into your alumni network Many universities have well-maintained alumni networks; contact your alumni club for an up-to-date directory. Use the directory to find people who can help you land your next job. Many of them are eager to help fellow alums because of loyalty to the school.
8. Keep emails formal Even if you're simply confirming the meeting time to your interview, it's important to put your best foot forward, Benedict says. Skip terms written in shorthand like "thanx" or "2morrow," which come off as unprofessional. "Your email messages should be as clean and polished as a cover letter would be," she says.
9. Include a ZIP code on your résumé If you're looking for a job in your area, it's a good idea to leave your ZIP code in your address, even if it doesn't seem necessary at the time. "Recruiters often give preference to candidates who are local and will do a search on ZIP codes in the résumé databases to find candidates," Benedict says.
10. Be truthful It can be tempting to appear as if you have far more expertise than you do, especially if you're just starting out, but exaggerating your experience will likely backfire. Employers are looking for trustworthy individuals and are unlikely to hire someone who they have a hunch isn't being totally truthful.
Bing: Find a job placement agency near you
Alina Dizik researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder.com. Follow @CareerBuilder on Twitter. Copyright 2011 Careerbuilder.com. All rights reserved. The information contained in this article may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior written authority.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Your work history: How far back should you go on a résumé?
Today's hiring managers have stacks of applications to get through quickly, so job seekers need to make each moment count when presenting themselves to prospective employers. While every candidate wants to give a thorough picture of accomplishments and skills, is it necessary to go back to the very beginning when presenting one's job history? "The reality is there is no right or wrong answer; it is all about preference," says Frank Dadah, general manager of financial contracting for the Winter, Wyman Companies -- one of the largest staffing firms in the Northeast. As a general rule of thumb, Dadah likes job seekers to include the past 10 years. "Anything further back than that is going to be obsolete. With the changes in technology and business practices, anything further back is really meaningless. I am not suggesting that if you worked for one company for 30 years that you only put 10 years on your résumé, but I am suggesting that if you have six jobs totaling 15 years that you only go back as far as approximately 10 years."
Bing: Free résumé templates
Camille Fetter, managing partner for TalentFoot (an executive search firm based in Chicago), prefers including a complete job history. "You may have had exposure to a specific industry that could be relevant to your prospective employer's business. If you eliminate this experience altogether, you're filtering information from the prospective employer that might just be the experience you needed to rise above the competition." Fetter also worries that five to 10 years of missing experience on a résumé may be seen as a red flag to employers. "Recruiters and hiring managers may jump to the conclusion that you're trying to hide something." Dadah agrees that a potential pitfall of omission is that some interviewers may see it as dishonest, but he also points out, "We have all been told that résumés should never exceed one (when mailing) or two (when e-mailing) pages in length. Is it dishonest to shorten your résumé to keep it to a page or two?"
Handling the early years
However far back a job seeker chooses to go, effective presentation is crucial. Showcasing key skills and accomplishments at the top keeps the hirer reading, allowing more time to sell attributes. Unless there is something from your early career that is particularly noteworthy to highlight, older information tends to be placed towards the bottom of a résumé. "I advise job seekers to give paragraph or bullet point job descriptions as far back as 10 years. If the person has been in the same job for 10 years, then most of the résumé should be based around that one job," says Lizandra Vega, author of "The Image of Success: Make a Great Impression and Land the Job You Want." To keep the résumé fresh and length-appropriate, she recommends that earlier positions simply be listed by title, name of the company and dates of employment. "This shows the candidate has had prior work experience, and it lets the employer know the types of companies the candidate has worked for before getting to where she is currently."
Giving employers what they want
While there may be no absolute rules as to what should or shouldn't be included on a résumé, remember that the ultimate goal is to present oneself as the best possible candidate for the position at hand. Always look to the information given in the job description for guidance. "There are times when 10 years back just isn't far enough," says Dadah. "For example, a company may be looking for a controller with 25-30 years of experience. In this case, truncating your résumé may be inappropriate." Bottom line: There isn't one "perfect" way to lay out work history, nor is there one magical résumé guaranteed to land any job. Be prepared to tinker with your presentation to adjust to the needs of the individual position. When all is said and done, the best résumé is the one that gets you hired.
Beth Braccio Hering researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder.com. Follow @CareerBuilder on Twitter.
Today's hiring managers have stacks of applications to get through quickly, so job seekers need to make each moment count when presenting themselves to prospective employers. While every candidate wants to give a thorough picture of accomplishments and skills, is it necessary to go back to the very beginning when presenting one's job history? "The reality is there is no right or wrong answer; it is all about preference," says Frank Dadah, general manager of financial contracting for the Winter, Wyman Companies -- one of the largest staffing firms in the Northeast. As a general rule of thumb, Dadah likes job seekers to include the past 10 years. "Anything further back than that is going to be obsolete. With the changes in technology and business practices, anything further back is really meaningless. I am not suggesting that if you worked for one company for 30 years that you only put 10 years on your résumé, but I am suggesting that if you have six jobs totaling 15 years that you only go back as far as approximately 10 years."
Bing: Free résumé templates
Camille Fetter, managing partner for TalentFoot (an executive search firm based in Chicago), prefers including a complete job history. "You may have had exposure to a specific industry that could be relevant to your prospective employer's business. If you eliminate this experience altogether, you're filtering information from the prospective employer that might just be the experience you needed to rise above the competition." Fetter also worries that five to 10 years of missing experience on a résumé may be seen as a red flag to employers. "Recruiters and hiring managers may jump to the conclusion that you're trying to hide something." Dadah agrees that a potential pitfall of omission is that some interviewers may see it as dishonest, but he also points out, "We have all been told that résumés should never exceed one (when mailing) or two (when e-mailing) pages in length. Is it dishonest to shorten your résumé to keep it to a page or two?"
Handling the early years
However far back a job seeker chooses to go, effective presentation is crucial. Showcasing key skills and accomplishments at the top keeps the hirer reading, allowing more time to sell attributes. Unless there is something from your early career that is particularly noteworthy to highlight, older information tends to be placed towards the bottom of a résumé. "I advise job seekers to give paragraph or bullet point job descriptions as far back as 10 years. If the person has been in the same job for 10 years, then most of the résumé should be based around that one job," says Lizandra Vega, author of "The Image of Success: Make a Great Impression and Land the Job You Want." To keep the résumé fresh and length-appropriate, she recommends that earlier positions simply be listed by title, name of the company and dates of employment. "This shows the candidate has had prior work experience, and it lets the employer know the types of companies the candidate has worked for before getting to where she is currently."
Giving employers what they want
While there may be no absolute rules as to what should or shouldn't be included on a résumé, remember that the ultimate goal is to present oneself as the best possible candidate for the position at hand. Always look to the information given in the job description for guidance. "There are times when 10 years back just isn't far enough," says Dadah. "For example, a company may be looking for a controller with 25-30 years of experience. In this case, truncating your résumé may be inappropriate." Bottom line: There isn't one "perfect" way to lay out work history, nor is there one magical résumé guaranteed to land any job. Be prepared to tinker with your presentation to adjust to the needs of the individual position. When all is said and done, the best résumé is the one that gets you hired.
Beth Braccio Hering researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder.com. Follow @CareerBuilder on Twitter.
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