We know that after some time searching for jobs, things can feel a little overwhelming. When you start to feel like that, there are some things you can do to change your game a little bit. This article from MSN Careers provides great information on this subject.
Feel like Giving Up on Your Job Search?
5 ways to shake things up
By Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 38 percent of full-time workers were unemployed for 27 weeks or more in September 2009. That's equivalent to more than 5.4 million people.
Whether you're out of work for five days, five weeks, five months or five years, any period of unexpected unemployment can be frustrating -- especially when it seems to go on forever. Although the economy seems to be showing signs of recovery, any job seeker who has been out of work for a long period of time will tell you: It's still not easy to find a job.
"Even though there are positive indicators, companies aren't adding jobs now at the rate they cut jobs over the last year," says Noah Blumenthal, bestselling author of "Be the Hero: Three Powerful Ways to Overcome Challenges in Work and Life." Despite that, Blumenthal reminds us that economic activities are cyclical. "Every boom feels like it will last forever and so does every bust. But none of them do. Know that things will turn around. The jobs will come back."
Laura Torres, a 28 year old development associate in Boston, knows first-hand about being frustrated with a job search. She was laid off in December 2008 and didn't find a job for about nine months.
"The most frustrating aspect was not feeling totally in control of the process -- particularly once you started interviewing at a job," she recalls. "Obviously you can play the game and even play it well, but your fate is still up to a small group of people. The agonizing wait between the interview and the follow-up is eerily reminiscent of trying to date someone who 'just isn't that into you.'"
Elena Sokolow-Kaufman, 30, who works at small nonprofit in Massachusetts, also had a frustrating job search. After being unemployed for a little more than two months, she reached a breaking point.
"I had sent out a lot of résumés and had a few interviews for specific job opportunities, but nothing seemed like it was moving forward. At the time I was going on a lot of informational interviews and at that point I started to feel very burned out," she recalls.
If you do reach a breaking point like Sokolow-Kaufman, Blumenthal says it's important to switch things up and try something new in your job search. Doing so will reinvigorate you and help you stay motivated.
"When you've been searching [for a job] for a long time, it can wear you out. You need to do things to keep you excited about your job search so that you keep going," he says. "The most important thing you can do is keep yourself eager, motivated and energized to continue the search."
To revitalize her efforts, Sokolow-Kaufman says she started a blog, in addition to working on her search in coffee shops with friends who were in the same position.
"It helped me a lot to feel less isolated and was a good reminder that many other people were in the same boat I was in," she says.
Torres also took different measures to revive her job search. In addition to narrowing her focus in order to find a job she really wanted, Torres challenged herself by applying for jobs outside of her interests or background.
"I never got interviews for these jobs, but it helped me think outside the box a little," she says. "I also sometimes just had informational interviews with people whose careers were markedly different from mine. Again, this was to broaden my horizons a big and give me more perspective."
If you (and your job search) are stuck in a rut, here are five ways Blumenthal suggests to rejuvenate your job search and mix things up a bit:
1. Go online
"You've sent out more résumés than you can count. But have you Tweeted? It's a social networking world. Build your online connections on services like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Then use that platform to make value-added observations about your line of work and job searching. You never know where your electronic connections can lead," he says.
2. Separate yourself
"Hiring managers and recruiters receive tons of résumés. Some are better than others, but frankly, none of them stand out. You need something else," he says. "Try writing an article or two about your field. Print them up on glossy paper with a nice graphic design. Add a professional bio, and put it all together in a nice folder. Now, instead of sending a résumé, you're sending a press kit on you. That stands out."
3. Have fun
"I know a woman who once sent her résumé folded up and stuffed inside of a baby sneaker. Her note said she was sure to be a shoe-in for the job," he recalls. "If you are bored with your job search, it will show in your materials, your applications and your interviews. So have some fun." (And yes, the shoe-in did get the job.)
4. Set a big goal
"You've already met 100, 200, 500 people? Set a goal to meet and have one-on-one conversations with 100 new people this month. Is it possible? Can you do it? Use Facebook. Go to professional meetings. Ask 10 friends to introduce you to 10 new people. It doesn't matter if they are in your field. This is the "Six Degrees of Separation" game. Meet up and let the new connections take you where they will," he says.
5. Go to work
"Volunteer at a local charity or political organization. You have the time and this helps you in so many ways," he says. How? It feels good to help; you're using your skills; you're meeting new people; you're getting off the couch and out of the house; and you will build your stockpile of stories. "When you meet people or interview, the connections you make are through your stories. What better story to tell than something that happened while you were helping make the world a better place?"
Ultimately, Blumenthal reminds job seekers to treat your job search like a job, and like a project that has a long-term objective.
"Do what you would do if this were such a project. Celebrate milestones and accomplishments along the way. Appreciate what you love about this job. After all, you can work in your pajamas, set your own hours, work from Starbucks and pick your kids up from school."
Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Clean Room
DISCOVER STAFFING is currently recruiting for candidates with Clean Room experience in a medical manufacturing environment. Assembly and packaging of the product - preparing for shipping. Must be able to keep up with paperwork. 2nd shift position. $10.
Candidates must be local to the Alpharetta area and have reliable transportation. Please submit resumes to laura@discoverstaffing.com for consideration.
Candidates must be local to the Alpharetta area and have reliable transportation. Please submit resumes to laura@discoverstaffing.com for consideration.
Plastic Injection Molding
DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking candidates for 1st and 2nd shift positions in Alpharetta. Must have plastic injection molding experience including the ability to set up the machine, make necessary adjustments between products, and knowledge of the mechanical aspects.
Please send your resume to laura@discoverstaffing.com for consideration. Candidates must be local to the Alpharetta area and have reliable transportation.
Please send your resume to laura@discoverstaffing.com for consideration. Candidates must be local to the Alpharetta area and have reliable transportation.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Local Career Resources
I recently discovered this website dedicated to providing all levels of resources for the Atlanta area job seeker. Lists of area service providers including career counselors, career schools, colleges and universities, job boards, associations, resume services, and support groups are all collected in one easy to navigate location.
Check out Atlanta Career Resources for more information.
And continue to check the DISCOVER STAFFING Career Resource Center for more information on open positions and helpful articles to assist you in your job search.
Check out Atlanta Career Resources for more information.
And continue to check the DISCOVER STAFFING Career Resource Center for more information on open positions and helpful articles to assist you in your job search.
Monday, October 26, 2009
2nd Shift Prodcution Supervisor
Thank you for your interest in this position. Our client has removed this opportunity at this time. Please continue to check back for our most up to date job postings.
DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking candidates for a 2nd Shift Production Supervisor position in Alpharetta. Must have 3+ years of production supervisor experience, medical manufacturing or FDA experience required. Must be familiar with ISO. Experience supervising 25+ employees. Must have a BS degree or equivalent experience. Display good leadership skills. $40,000 to $50,000 annual salary, temporary to hire or direct hire.
Please submit your resume to laura@discoverstaffing.com for consideration. Candidates must be local to the Alpharetta area and have reliable transportation.
DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking candidates for a 2nd Shift Production Supervisor position in Alpharetta. Must have 3+ years of production supervisor experience, medical manufacturing or FDA experience required. Must be familiar with ISO. Experience supervising 25+ employees. Must have a BS degree or equivalent experience. Display good leadership skills. $40,000 to $50,000 annual salary, temporary to hire or direct hire.
Please submit your resume to laura@discoverstaffing.com for consideration. Candidates must be local to the Alpharetta area and have reliable transportation.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Your Attitude
In our industry, we meet unemployed candidates every day. We understand that it is difficult to maintain a positive attitude while looking for a job in this very tough market. However, it is true that your attitude can make all the difference when looking for a position. Coming across as desperate or depressed can have dire consequences. The following article from MSN Careers provides some great advice for job seekers.
Your Bad Attitude Could Be Hurting Your Job Search
By Robert Half International
Imagine you're a hiring manager, and you receive a cover letter from a job seeker that begins: "I am tired of writing cover letters." Rather than pick up the phone and call the person in for an interview, you're likely to discard the application.
You may be surprised to learn that the example above is real, and this applicant isn't the only one to inappropriately complain to a prospective employer. Here are some additional examples:
"Argh! I hate job hunting!"
"Life isn't fair. I should get paid for looking for a job."
"I have received zero replies from my résumé. It's not me, though. I know that for sure."
While nearly everyone can understand the frustration of a prolonged job search, it's a big mistake to let your negative feelings show. Indeed, remaining positive can help you get hired. Employers want to hire people who are passionate about their work, relate well to others and aren't easily deflated by setbacks.
Here are some guidelines for conveying the right attitude to hiring managers:
When in doubt, leave it out
One individual who applied for a job wrote: "I'm not lazy, but given a choice between working for someone else, following orders and waking up to that awful sound of an alarm clock or doing what I want to do -- wouldn't any intelligent human being choose the latter?" Although few would be as blatant as this person, any amount of venting is likely to turn off a hiring manager. Make sure the focus of your résumé or cover letter remains on your qualifications. Specifically, what needs does the firm have, and how can you help fill them?
Be a team player
Another candidate had this to say: "I have a problem with dress codes. It will be difficult for me if I need to wear a formal button-down shirt for work because I don't have many of those types of clothes since I dress cool." Such candor didn't do him any favors because he was perceived as someone who has trouble following rules and interacting with colleagues who may have different opinions than his own.
The simple truth is that people want to hire -- and work with -- people who are easy to get along with and low-maintenance. Don't appear difficult by outlining your pet peeves. This extends to the interview as well, especially if it's over lunch: Don't give an overly complicated order; instead, make your requests simple.
Show your enthusiasm for the position
One company received a résumé from a job seeker who said simply, "I've never been all that excited about working." With an attitude like that, you can bet the business wasn't too excited about the candidate, either. Employers want to hire professionals with a true desire to work for their firms. Demonstrate your passion for the position by researching the employer before submitting your application and noting how your skills can meet the company's unique needs. For example, you may learn that the company is opening a new office in your area. Your experience helping to launch start-up operations could be valuable to the organization.
Impress in person
If you're called in for an interview, remember your enthusiasm -- or lack thereof -- will show during the meeting. Simple steps, like offering a firm handshake, sitting up straight, smiling and maintaining eye contact with the interviewer, will showcase your positive attitude. Small shifts in body language, like tapping your foot impatiently, or tone, such as sighing under your breath, can undermine your efforts to make a good impression.
Check in with others
If you've hit a roadblock in your job search, it might be worthwhile to get an outside perspective about how you're presenting yourself. Ask someone whose opinion you trust to review your résumé, cover letter and any other materials you will be submitting to hiring managers. A subtle negative tone can sometimes seep into your application materials without you noticing.
A job search can be challenging even in a good employment market. If you're feeling discouraged and having trouble getting motivated, share your frustration with close friends and family. Not only can they provide a good shoulder to lean on, those you know may have faced similar challenges themselves and be able to provide valuable advice for keeping your head high.
Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.
Your Bad Attitude Could Be Hurting Your Job Search
By Robert Half International
Imagine you're a hiring manager, and you receive a cover letter from a job seeker that begins: "I am tired of writing cover letters." Rather than pick up the phone and call the person in for an interview, you're likely to discard the application.
You may be surprised to learn that the example above is real, and this applicant isn't the only one to inappropriately complain to a prospective employer. Here are some additional examples:
While nearly everyone can understand the frustration of a prolonged job search, it's a big mistake to let your negative feelings show. Indeed, remaining positive can help you get hired. Employers want to hire people who are passionate about their work, relate well to others and aren't easily deflated by setbacks.
Here are some guidelines for conveying the right attitude to hiring managers:
When in doubt, leave it out
One individual who applied for a job wrote: "I'm not lazy, but given a choice between working for someone else, following orders and waking up to that awful sound of an alarm clock or doing what I want to do -- wouldn't any intelligent human being choose the latter?" Although few would be as blatant as this person, any amount of venting is likely to turn off a hiring manager. Make sure the focus of your résumé or cover letter remains on your qualifications. Specifically, what needs does the firm have, and how can you help fill them?
Be a team player
Another candidate had this to say: "I have a problem with dress codes. It will be difficult for me if I need to wear a formal button-down shirt for work because I don't have many of those types of clothes since I dress cool." Such candor didn't do him any favors because he was perceived as someone who has trouble following rules and interacting with colleagues who may have different opinions than his own.
The simple truth is that people want to hire -- and work with -- people who are easy to get along with and low-maintenance. Don't appear difficult by outlining your pet peeves. This extends to the interview as well, especially if it's over lunch: Don't give an overly complicated order; instead, make your requests simple.
Show your enthusiasm for the position
One company received a résumé from a job seeker who said simply, "I've never been all that excited about working." With an attitude like that, you can bet the business wasn't too excited about the candidate, either. Employers want to hire professionals with a true desire to work for their firms. Demonstrate your passion for the position by researching the employer before submitting your application and noting how your skills can meet the company's unique needs. For example, you may learn that the company is opening a new office in your area. Your experience helping to launch start-up operations could be valuable to the organization.
Impress in person
If you're called in for an interview, remember your enthusiasm -- or lack thereof -- will show during the meeting. Simple steps, like offering a firm handshake, sitting up straight, smiling and maintaining eye contact with the interviewer, will showcase your positive attitude. Small shifts in body language, like tapping your foot impatiently, or tone, such as sighing under your breath, can undermine your efforts to make a good impression.
Check in with others
If you've hit a roadblock in your job search, it might be worthwhile to get an outside perspective about how you're presenting yourself. Ask someone whose opinion you trust to review your résumé, cover letter and any other materials you will be submitting to hiring managers. A subtle negative tone can sometimes seep into your application materials without you noticing.
A job search can be challenging even in a good employment market. If you're feeling discouraged and having trouble getting motivated, share your frustration with close friends and family. Not only can they provide a good shoulder to lean on, those you know may have faced similar challenges themselves and be able to provide valuable advice for keeping your head high.
Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Current Open Positions
DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking candidates for the following positions:
Senior Internal Auditor - must have Sarbanes Oxley and ERP Experience. CPA required. 50% travel (national and international). Alpharetta area.
Senior Accountant/Financial Analyst - must have 2-3 years public accounting experience with one of the "Big 4". Alpharetta area.
Document Processor - expert proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Outlook and photoshop. Sandy Springs area. Thank you for your interest in this position. Our client has filled this opening at this time.
Auditor - Journalism/English background. Available evenings and weekends. Norcross Area.
Scheduler - customer service. Available evenings and weekends. Norcross area.
Electro Mechanical Technician - familiarity with FDA procedures, medical manufacturing. Alpharetta area.
Soldering - 1st or 2nd shift. Alpharetta area.
Injection Molding - 1st or 2nd shift. Alpharetta area
Please submit your resume for consideration to laura@discoverstaffing.com. Please include an email indicating which position you are applying for and how you are best qualified. No phone calls please.
Please submit your resume for consideration to laura@discoverstaffing.com. Please include an email indicating which position you are applying for and how you are best qualified. No phone calls please.
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