Career lessons from the recession

If the recent recession left a bad taste in your mouth -- and chances are it did -- remember that every cloud has a silver lining. As painful as it may have been, the downturn gave workers insights into how to stay marketable and maintain professional momentum, even during the worst of times. Here are a several key takeaways from the recession and how they can help your career:..

Expect change

Employees were forced to adapt quickly during the downturn. Many took on new responsibilities, learned how to solve problems with fewer resources and began to work more efficiently.

The lesson? Flexibility can be a career-saver and will only benefit you going forward. After all, change is inevitable. Although you can't control whether the economy shifts into high or low gear, you can control your reaction to it. Keep a positive outlook as business conditions or priorities evolve and, to the extent possible, try to adapt to new and different ways of doing things.

Keep your skills current

Many professionals have assumed new roles and larger workloads over the last few years. Doing so successfully has required learning new skills. Along with updating their technical abilities, the savviest professionals strengthened their soft skills. For example, many people have become better negotiators as they've had to do more with less.

But much like the foreign language you studied in high school only to forget once you graduated, your skills will atrophy unless you continually strengthen them. Continue to use your new abilities and understand that different skills sets will continually come into vogue. Remain alert to emerging trends and look for opportunities to build sought-after skills.

Don't ignore your network

Think back to the jobs you've landed throughout your career, especially if you were forced to look for a new position during the downturn. Because many companies weren't advertising open jobs over the past couple of years, professionals often had to know someone just to get an interview. Whether identifying job leads, providing referrals or simply offering advice, your network has probably been an invaluable resource.

Even as business conditions pick up, remember that the people you know will continue to serve as a career safety net. Keep in touch with them, both online and in person.

Also, look for opportunities to pay it forward. Let members of your network know of job leads you uncover and express your willingness to serve as a referral. Helping others will keep your network strong and increase the likelihood that your contacts will offer assistance the next time you're in need.

Always be ready

Whether you lost your job or someone you know did, this recession showed workers that very few are immune to the whims of the economy. Almost any job can disappear with little or no warning.

During the downturn, those who were ready with updated application materials and a solid network of professional contacts were often able to rebound and find employment the quickest. The lesson here: You can't control the job market or the likelihood of a layoff, but you can be ready to launch an immediate job search.

Even if you are currently employed, make sure your résumé is current and continue to update it as you learn new skills, earn certifications or professional designations, and accomplish noteworthy goals. Also, make sure you know whom you would tap for professional references. If you haven't talked with those in your network over the past few months, reach out to key contacts to keep your relationships active.

As philosopher George Santayana famously said, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." This recession is still fresh in most people's minds, but as conditions improve, don't forget the knowledge you've gleaned. These learnings can help you prepare for and overcome any bump -- or pothole -- that may appear in the road of your career.

Robert Half International 

Online Job Search Increase Your Job Expectation

When it comes to a job search, looking for a new job is not all a difficult task, in fact, if you feel it is difficult, the best thing you can do to make it easier is stay organized. Organization has always been an important aspect in every sphere of life and it is very essential for everyone who wishes to see himself successful. Online job search can be tricky as you have to be careful with the details of the company including its name, contact number and address…

 if you are a citizen of india and looking for jobs in USA then, the only thing that help you search for Jobs in USA is the internet. Internet has played a vital role in every sphere of life and it’s the same here, it can really get you a good job. All you need to do is, make sure that you register on trusted job sites and make sure to go through the details of company offering you a position. There are people who mistakenly apply twice at the same company without realizing that they had earlier applied for it. 

Moreover, in some cases, a company may contact you a week or a month later offering you a position and you couldn’t remember, may be because you have lost the employers name, and other details. In such cases, you need to first have all your resumes, cover letters on your computer and have a back up of them and all the other related stuff. This will help you a lot when the company contacts you after a few months or weeks. Make a spreadsheet and input the data related to the companies including date, job title, reference number, deadline, action, name and address of the person who interviewed you, feedback you received during the interview, duration that the company took to reply. If you have posted your resume or coverletter with online job sites, then many placement consultants may also contact you regarding the job position they have for you. 

You might have noticed that in the recent months, the job market has come down. Jobs in India are also lacking and due to this reason; many professionals are lacking behind and still looking for the suitable jobs. If you are one of them and still looking for the right job position then, you need to start a job search but make sure that you know what to search for because if you search unknowingly, you will end up with great frustrations. If you are pursuing your education and wish to earn a bit along with the education, then you can opt for part time jobs.

 Part time jobs are a great option for college students, housewives and retired persons. If you are one amongst them, then simply switch on the internet and look for some part time jobs. In addition, make sure to look for jobs that offer you the complete details of the company and address. If you are working as a freelancer, make sure that you get your payments on time. 

Internet Tips and Tricks to Help You Land Your Next Job

There's a wealth of career information on the Internet, and these resources are just a mouse-click away for any job seeke.But as comprehensive as sites like CareerBuilder.com are, there are other resources on the Internet you can use to land a new job. Here are a few tips and tricks to help maximize your job search on the Web.

1. Career assessment tests

Career assessment tests can be engaging and fun, and the results can give you important insight into your working style to help you find the best fit.

For example, CareerPath.com has a number of helpful career tests, including a color test that gauges your reaction to colors and suggests potential career paths based on the result. Take note of any keywords that appear in your test results and use them as search terms.

2. Network, network, network

Most career experts encourage job seekers to expand their networks. You can connect with other professionals via Web sites like BrightFuse and LinkedIn, and even a personal contact on Facebook can provide an important connection to an opportunity.

Alumni groups with an online presence can also be a great place to network, since the focus of those groups is their eagerness to connect with fellow graduates.

If you're not sure where to start, sign on to a networking site.  Search for current or former co-workers and managers and invite them to join your network. Engage your network by sending messages and giving other users recommendations or kudos for the positive experience you had with them.

3. Research your prospective employer

If you're competing against other candidates with equally impressive skills, education and experience, you really need to break ahead of the pack. One way to do that is to know your prospective employer.

Start with the company's Web site; look in the "About Us," "Media" or "Press Room" sections. To be fully informed, you'll want to check out other sites with detailed information.

"Use online news sites to understand which companies are doing well or expanding," suggests Patrick Madsen, the director of professional career services at The Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. "Reading through articles and generally knowing where the world is going can open potential new doors and windows."

Madsen also suggests that job seekers research information sites like Hoover's, Vault.com or Careerbeam to learn about companies.

4. Person to person

Do an Internet search on yourself. A recent CareerBuilder.com survey found that one in four hiring managers are researching candidates online. If there's any information out there that could hurt your chances of being hired, you need to be aware of it.

Once you've landed an interview, you can also research the person you'll be talking to.  Madsen recommends doing a simple Google search on the interviewer's name, as well as checking Facebook or LinkedIn to see if he has a profile there. The interviewer may also be featured on the company's Web site.

Mark Moran, founder and CEO of Dulcinea Media in New York City, says this step is vitally important. "I've interviewed perhaps 500 people in the last five years, and I can tell you most of them failed to get the job because they did not use the Internet to research me, the company or our industry."

5. Brave the cold

It's ideal to use sites like CareerBuilder.com to reply to job postings from employers actively seeking candidates in your field. But you can also use the Internet to do a "cold" search on companies that are in your field.

Career expert Chris Russell, the founder of the Secrets of the Job Hunt blog, recalls his initial job search. He researched companies in his area (none of which were actively hiring) and compiled a list of 80. From there, he identified a contact at each company. Russell launched his own "direct mail" campaign and soon had seven interviews. One of those companies hired him.

The twist to the story? Russell's job search was in the pre-Internet days of 1993. "The Internet would have made my campaign a much easier one if I had access to it back then. Today, there is so much information on the World Wide Web it can be daunting," he admits. "But if you know where to search, you can end your job hunt that much faster."

6. Back to basics

Some important basic tips to remember when using the Internet to land your new job:

- Make sure your e-mail address is professional; a handle like "partyguy2002" will give employers a negative perception of you before you've even started. 

- Don't rely on spell check alone to capture any errors in e-mails, cover letters and résumés. The difference between the word "shift" and a common curse word is only one letter.

- Be sure to have text-only versions of any documents, so they can be easily sent or submitted to employers.

CareerBuilder.com

5 Ways to Land the Perfect Job

As the hiring manager for one of the nation's largest Fortune 500 Companies, I learned a great deal through the years about hiring, interviewing, and securing that dream job. Employers want to leave your interview feeling like they just hired "the one". Do you know how to become that person?..

1. Any job is better than no job. Even in light of difficult economic times, it is imperative that applicants have some job. If you have been laid off at the local plant or your corporation has down-sized, work ANYWHERE. We would much rather see you flipping burgers at the local pizza joint, cutting yards, or washing cars, than doing nothing. It shows a desire to work hard and a high level of integrity - both of which are admirable.

2. Be on time. Five minutes early is on time. Ten minutes early is early. On time is late. I have cancelled interviews with an applicant that is late. It leaves the door open for too many excuses down the road.

3. Dress the part. No matter what the position entails, wear a suit. It shows you are eager for the job. My first job was at a local pizza restaurant. I wore a suit and landed the job on the spot. As is often said, "Dress for the position you want, not the one you have." If dressed too casual, it is hard for the interviewer to move past your attire into your intellect. It is much better to over-dress than under-dress.

4. Come prepared with an accurate, up-to-date resume. Never lie on your resume. We will find out and you will automatically be disqualified. Be sure that you have a professional resume. Take some time and research how to do one if you do not already know. It is worth the extra effort. About half of all resumes get put into the "no" pile, simply because of typos, lack of dates, or lack of professionalism. Don't be one of those.

5. Be honest. Do not say you know how to operate the latest DOS-based marketing program, if you don't. Do not say you are familiar with the operation of heavy equipment, if you are not. Even if we hire you, we will fire you just as quickly, if you are not honest. It is much better to say, "I am not familiar with that program, but am a quick learner and eager to try new things."

By: JenniferMaggio

6-Tips to lighten-up your presentation during Job

Summary: Are your speeches a bit dry? Having trouble connecting with your audiences? Maybe it's because you're trying too hard. Here are six ways you can lighten up so your speeches and presentations are more appealing and enjoyable.

Consider whether you need to lighten up when you speak to audiences. Think about these strategies.

First, lighten up your attitude about the potential consequences of the speech situation. 

Make an accurate—concentrate on that word accurate—assessment of the “worst case scenario” that might happen if you gave a speech that either bored, confused, or offended your audience. In your private thoughts, you might predict:

·         getting fired from your current job

·         not getting the promotion you wanted

·         failing to close a sale

·         suffering permanent embarrassment among your colleagues

·         losing all confidence in your ability to persuade a group

·         demolishing your reputation

Now think this through. How many times have you seen speakers endure reprisals like those? Name the speakers, the incidents, and the disastrous aftermath. What, you’re drawing a blank now? Probably so,  because those dire repercussions happen quite rarely. For the most part, our constituents—even our clients—allow us a bad presentation occasionally without labeling us a failure. Usually, they will forget your rambling remarks quickly, as they move on to their own demanding responsibilities.

Second, lighten up when you enter the group you’re going to address:

I’m sure you have seen speakers dart through the group, sit near the podium, and start flipping through their notes repeatedly. Often they will have a pen in hand, so they can underline or scribble their additions to their text or notes.

By contrast, the lightened up scene would have the speaker mingling with the crowd, introducing herself, sharing available refreshments in moderation, asking people their opinion about the speech topic, and catching names to use informally during the speech.

Third, lighten up your nonverbal message: 

Even while your host is introducing you, make eye contact with your audience—all sections of it. Throughout your presentation, smile regularly, indicating you are enjoying the occasion and your own material. Become mobile as well, walking away from the lectern to demonstrate that you are not tied to a script or a physical prop.

Fourth, lighten up your language:

Stilted language makes you come across too formally. Substitute well-understood, commonplace words and phrases for those that seem obsolete, even mysterious:

·         Replace “penultimate” with “next to last”

·         Replace “fortuitous” with “lucky”

·         Replace “optimal” with “ideal”

·         Replace “peruse” with “read”

·         Replace “surrogate” with “substitute”

·         Replace “eschew” with “avoid”

What novelist Stephen King said about writing applies to speaking also: “Language does not always have to wear a tie and lace-up shoes.”

Fifth, lighten up your content:

Keep in mind that even though your audience might expect you to provide specific information, particularly at a board meeting or training session, you will keep them interested and involved through tasteful humor, folksy illustrations, biographical snippets about people they respect, relevant quotations, and your own personal experiences.

Sixth, lighten up your length:

Let’s assume you give a weekly update in a departmental staff meeting, which usually has you speaking for twenty minutes. Next week, cut your presentation time to ten minutes by omitting nonessential matters. Try speaking in bullet points instead of lengthy paragraphs. Abbreviate your report for a few weeks in succession, and your colleagues will become more attentive. Although they may not comment about your shortened speeches, they will appreciate your respect for their already jammed schedules.

In summary: Contradictory as it might seem, your speaking will become much more appealing when you quit trying so hard. Lighten up, and you’ll become the speaker audiences want to hear again and again.

by BL

UK VISA - DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!

Don’t leave home without it. No, not your American Express, but a visa that entitles you to live and work in the UK. Without obtaining your visa before you leave, you will be unable to enter the UK on anything other than a visitor visa.

Immigration officials have the power to turn you away upon arrival, and it does happen. Get sorted before you arrive, with the visa that best suits your plans and circumstances. The UK has a huge variety of entry visas, but in general there are four visas that allow to work and live in the UK. 

Working Holiday Visa 

This is open to people aged 17-27 years and is valid for 2 years. It MUST be obtained in your own country. The basis of this visa is that you are coming to the UK for a holiday but are entitled to work to supplement, NOT support your trip. On a WHV, you may work part time for the duration of your time here, or full time for part of your time here. You are unable to follow or develop your chosen career on this visa. The work you do must be solely to help you cover your own costs while here. In reality, this does not always happen but it is important you understand this rule.

Therefore, don’t bring CVs, references and tools into the country when you arrive – post them. If you are a chef and bring your knives for example, the immigration official may assume you are seeking to develop your skills and you will be put on the next plane home.

You are unable to extend a WHV past two years. If you are entitled to another sort of visa when you leave the country, it is often better to apply for that, as it can be very difficult to change your visa status, and takes up valuable time and earning power. 

UK ancestry/Patriality visa 

Those with parents or grandparents who were born in the UK, you may apply for a visa which entitles you to work in the UK for four years. There are no restrictions on the sort of work you may do.

You must prove your family connections and often must be able to demonstrate you have work prospects when you arrive. If this is a requirement, you need to have a letter confirming you are registered with a recruitment company. The main restriction on this sort of visa is that you must be able to support yourself fully, so are prevented from accessing the social security benefits system.

You are also bound to paying your tax and national insurance. As long as you meet these conditions, you may, after the four year period, apply for an extension of your visa, and eventually qualify for a British passport. 

Marriage/defacto/gay relationship visa 

If you are married to someone who has a British passport or holds an ancestry visa, you may apply for entry clearance to allow unrestricted work in the UK. You may need to demonstrate you can financially support yourself and have job opportunities upon arrival. In the majority of cases, you will initially be issued with a 12 month visa, which will be reviewed at the end of that period.

If you are meeting the criteria you will be issued with a visa to allow you to stay permanently, and eventually qualify for a British passport. With defacto (known as common-law in the UK), and gay relationships, officially there is no policy which covers this. However visas are issued for defacto and/or gay couples, but Recruitment UK recommends you seek professional assistance if you wish to be considered under these sorts of relationships. 

Work permits 

Traditionally the most difficult visa to obtain, these visas are issued to people who have a job in the UK and have specialist skills that an employer has trouble finding in people from the UK/Europe. Applicants must have relevant qualifications and experience for the job the have obtained.

However significant sweeping changes have recently been announced in the UK recently, meaning the application procedure and time to process them is now quicker and easier. Work permits exist to fill shortages in the labour market, and cover a variety of disciplines.

With the recent policy changes and the chronic labour shortages in the UK, Recruitment UK predicts that work permits will become a popular option for may New Zealand and Australian nationals who are unable to obtain a visa due to their age and lack of British family connections.

Get smart 

Without a visa, you are stuffed.

You should ascertain the options you have as soon as you start to plan your trip. Do not listen to pub stories nor assume your mates’ interpretations of the rules are correct, as invariably they are not. Policy can and does change without warning, so base your decisions on facts from the official channels.

Give yourself plenty of time to obtain your visa as processing times is determined by the issuing office, not your travel plans. It is wise to apply for the visa that allows the maximum time you are eligible for. Why? Because….. Once you have arrived you may wish to stay longer than you thought Work prospects are often better and pay more in the UK.

It can be very difficult and time consuming changing visas while in the UK.

·  For full details, application forms and fees you should contact the British High Commission. Forms are available on their websites. 

www.recruitmentuk.net