Monday, December 29, 2008

Let's get in gear for a New Year!



Many people view the arrival of the New Year as an opportunity to reevaluate their hopes, goals and dreams. It's also not a bad time to take another look at your job search.
Even if your list of New Year's resolutions is already crowded, consider adding a few more that relate to your job search. If your New Year’s resolutions include advancing or changing your career, here are some helpful tips to start your job search.

1.Update your resume
Once you decided to open new options, you will need a resume that shows and highlights your accomplishments, skills, and the companies that you have worked for in the past.

2.Customize your cover letter
Make sure your cover letter stands out by putting the correct address to a specific company and recruiter. Include a paragraph that includes your accomplishments and how this can contribute to a new employer.

3.Talk to relatives and friends
Many people receive good jobs from talking to and sharing their work experiences with friends and family members.

4. Research popular interview questions
The one question that is almost always asked is what are your strengths and weaknesses? Once you have researched probable interview questions answer them with someone as if they were a recruiter.

5.Manage your time
Set up certain days and times to conduct your job search and allow time to practice possible interview questions.

The Employment Guide is always here to help you with your job search.
The Baltimore EG office wishes everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Read more at: 2009 Job Search

Weekly EG Publication

EG Weekly Publication December 29th-January 4th
EG Weekly Publication December 29th-January 4th


Check out this week's great career opportunities:
All-State Career
C&S Wholesale Services
North American Trade Schools
Lighting Express
Genesis Healthcare
Columbia Association Camp Department
King Memorial Park

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Looking for a change ?

Looking to start a career or new job in 2009?
One of the things you maybe thinking about as the New years roll in is a career change.
There are factors that you need to ask yourself before you change your career or find a new job.

Here are some questions to think about before making your decision:
•Do you want to stay in the same industry or type of work?
•Are there specific things you are looking for besides that big pay check?
•Are you happy with the area you live in, or would a new career be an opportunity for you to pick up and move?
•Are you willing to further your education for a new career?

The holidays are perfect for career planning because you have a few days away from the office to do some research.

Check out www.employmentguide.com for great career opportunities.

So where in the job market should you be looking for a brighter future?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most in demand for the next ten years are as follows:
•Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts
•Personal Care Aides
•Home Health Aides
•Computer Software and Applications Engineers
•Veterinary Techs
•Personal Financial Advisors
•Medical Assistants
•Veterinarians
•Makeup Artists
•Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

The reality is you need to begin planning now so you can hit the ground running and get on the right track for the New Year.

Information provided by: Careers in Demand for 2009

Monday, December 22, 2008

EG Weekly Publication

EG Weekly Publication December 22nd-December 28th
EG Weekly Publication December 22nd-December 28th

Check out this week's great career opportunities:
Corporate Express
North American Trade Schools
Durham School Services
OtisSpunkmeyer
Chimes
All-State Career
Columbia Association Camp Department

Monday, December 15, 2008

Baltimore Rankings



Baltimore is the largest city in Maryland. Every year Forbes reports on the best cities for jobs and Baltimore came in 35th place just behind West Palm Beach FL, McAllen TX, and Portland OR. The data was complied out of 100 of the largest cities and here is where Baltimore ranked:

Median Household Income Rank: 24

Unemployment Rank: 29

Income Growth Rank: 54

Cost Of Living Rank: 65

Job Growth Rank: 57

The median income for Baltimore is just $34,000.

The Employment Guide is here to help you through your job or career search. Just click on http://www.employmentguide.com

Information provided by: Best cities in 2008.

EG Weekly Publication

EG Weekly Publication December 15th-December 21st
EG Weekly Publication December 15th-December 21st

Check out this week's great career opportunities:
Corporate Express
North American Trade Schools
C&S Wholesale Services
American Beauty Academy
All-State Career
Chimes
Ruxton Healthcare
Genesis
Signature Flight Support

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

EG Weekly Publication!

EG Weekly Publication December 8th-December 14th
EG Weekly Publication December 8th-December 14th

Check out this week's great career opportunities:
UPS
North American Trade Schools
All-State Career
Gallagher Services
Professional Healthcare Resources
Chimes
Genesis
CES Security
Signature Flight Support

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Weekly EG Publication

EG Weekly Publication December 1st-December 7th
EG Weekly Publication December 1st-December 7th

Check out this week's great career opportunities:
Baltimore School of Massage
North American Trade Schools
Staff Quest
All-State Career
S.A.F.E Management
AEX Group
UtiliQuest
Algorithme Pharma
Chimes

Monday, December 1, 2008

Happy Cyber Monday!



You've heard of Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving when it seems everyone in the U.S. crowds into the malls to get an early start on the annual holiday shopping frenzy. But have you heard of Cyber Monday, the first workday after the long weekend, in other words, today when we all sit down at our desks and start surfing our way to those perfect gifts? To weed through the madness start the day at the National Retail Federation's website, cybermonday.com, for an aggregation of over 600holiday deals from web retailers in every category.

According to a poll we recently commissioned from Harris Interactive, 40 percent of employed U.S. adults say they plan to do at least some of their online holiday shopping from work this year. So we aim to make all that pointing and clicking as fast, safe, and easy as possible.

While you are on-line doing your holiday shopping and wondering where you can get some extra cash for the holidays, The Employment Guide is here to help. Just simply go to www.employmentguide.com and apply for a job. There are some retail stores that are currently hiring for the holiday season.

Information provided by: Cyber Monday

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

The Veterans Transition Guide


Finding employment can be a daunting task for veterans returning to the civilian workforce, but The Employment Guide’s Veterans Transition Guide is helping to ease the change. As soldiers and sailors return from deployments around the world, they routinely face problems integrating back into civilian jobs and lives.

The Employment Guide recently launched The Veterans Transition Guide. The guide features articles and tips for people who have been living the Military life and want to find a job or career. The guide also features Companies in the Baltimore surrounding area that are looking to hire you today.

The Baltimore Employment Guide will be launching their first edition of The Veterans Guide in January of 2009. If you are an employer looking to hire veterans please be sure and contact the employment guide.

For more information please contact Howard Kershner @ 410-543-1870.

Monday, November 24, 2008

EG Weekly Publication

EG Weekly Publication November 24-November 30
EG Weekly Publication November 24-December 1

Check out this week's great career opportunities:
Allines
North American Trade Schools
Tesst College of Technology
All-State Career
Prime, Inc.
Maryland Department of Public Safety
Wackenhut Corporation
Ruxton Health & Rehabilitation Center

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Top 9 Ways to Improve Your Resume


1.Proofread. This should be a no-brainer, but almost all resumes
had typos and formatting inconsistencies. Make sure your resume is perfect, and hire a professional if you’re not confident in your proofreading skills.
2.Remove “Fluff.” One of my pet peeves is the use of flowery resume language. If you’re a results-proven, detail-oriented leader with excellent verbal and written communication skills, I’m talking to you. This type of language makes hiring managers’ eyes glaze over and doesn’t do much to “sell” your credentials. Instead of saying that you have these skills, prove it with examples of past successes throughout the resume.
3. Add a Headline. A Headline calls out your objective as well as one or two of your top qualifications, and is a modern twist on a traditional “Objective” section.
4. Add a Summary. If you don’t have a Qualifications Summary, write one — immediately! The summary can present the top reasons why employers should contact you — your value proposition. If you lead your resume with a compelling summary, employers will be more likely to read the rest of your resume.
5. Include Important Skills. You can create a separate “Key Skills” section or incorporate your skills in the Summary section. Either way, an easy-to-skim, bulleted list of your job-related skills will appeal to hiring managers.
6. Add Accomplishments. And while you’re at it, quantify them (if possible) so employers can understand the impact of your work.
7. Avoid Using Personal Pronouns. Employers know that your resume is about you, so write in an “implied” first-person voice.
8. Focus on the Last Ten Years or So. If your work history is extensive, keep in mind that most resume reviewers are concerned about your recent employment. You can keep the early positions, but cut down on the amount of space used and consider summing it up in an “Early Career” section.
9. Ditch the “References Available” Line. Employers expect you to have references if you’re in a job search, and this line is just wasting space at the end of the resume.

Information provided by: Nine Ways to improve a resume.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Weekly EG Publication

EG Weekly Publication November 17-November 23
EG Weekly Publication November 17-November 23

Check out this week's great career opportunities:
UPS
North American Trade Schools
Signature Flight Support
All-State Career
First Transit
Value City Furniture
Stella Maris
Chimes
American Beauty Academy

Monday, November 10, 2008

Looking for a job in Healthcare?

HealthCare Job Fair!
When: Tuesday November 13th, 2008
Where: Anne Arundel Community College
101 College Parkway
Arnold, MD 21012
Time: 10am-3pm
Driving Directions to the job fair.
The following healthcare companies are seeking their next qualified candidate:
AFLAC
Annapolitan Assisted Living
Attentive Care
Bayside Physical Therapy
Bello Machre
Chesapeake Treatment Center
Dimensions Healthcare System
Dynasplint Systems, Inc.
FutureCare
Genesis Healthcare
Harbor Hospital
Mary Kay
Mary T. Maryland
MedAssurant
NIDA
PB Health
Shore Health System
St. Agnes Hospital
St. Joseph Medical Center
U.S. Army Health Care

There will be many opportunities in the healthcare industry available.
The healthcare job fair is sponsored by The Employment Guide and Anne Arundel Community College. Just remember to dress for success and bring plenty of resumes.

Weekly EG Publication

EG Weekly Publication November 10-November 16
EG Weekly Publication November 10-November 16


Check out this weeks great career opportunities:
North American Trade Schools
All-State Career
Prime Inc.
Signature Flight Support
Forman Inc.
Value City Furniture
First Transit
Ruxton Health & Rehabilitation Center
Professional Healthcare Resources

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Six Factors that will cost you the Interview/ Job.


In addition to an unprofessional appearance, here are six factors that can help you remain in the unemployment line:
1. Being unprepared for the interview. Prepare, plan, and practice! In today's tough job market, you MUST do everything you can to give yourself an edge... preparation is the key.
2.Not being able to communicate clearly and effectively. This is important during the interview and on the job. Being nervous can really mess up your communication skills, so being well prepared and practicing what you're going to say are always your best bet.
3.Being aggressive, arrogant, or acting in a superior way. No one wants to hire or work with people who think they're better than everyone else. Be careful with your attitude, even if you think you're surrounded by incompetent fools. Being confident is good. Being an arrogant jerk is bad.
4.Making excuses for failings. Your teacher never bought "The dog ate my homework!" and your boss isn't going to buy "The finance department gave me the wrong figures!" In the grown-up world, you have to take responsibility for what you are responsible for! You'll never earn respect by blaming others when things go wrong.
5.Saying unfavorable things about previous employers. Even if you left a job because the boss was an egomaniac who took credit for all of your hard work, verbally abused you in front of others, and poisoned the plant on your desk, don't say anything bad about him/her during an interview. When asked "Why did you leave your last job?" say something like "My manager and I both agreed that my advancement opportunities were limited there and obtaining another position was the best option for me and my career goals."
6.Having a poor/limp handshake. Why do people think you'll be a lousy employee if you have a lousy handshake? That's not really logical, is it? Doesn't matter. It just turns people off and gives them a bad impression of you. So make your handshake firm and confident but not bone-crushing. (It's not a competition to see who winces first!)
If you DON'T want to be unemployed, don't let any of those traits apply to you!
Information Provided by: Interview Strategies

Monday, November 3, 2008

EG Weekly Publication

EG Weekly Publication November 3-November 9
EG Weekly Publication November 3-November 9

Check out this week's great career opportunities:
UPS
Superior Carriers,Inc.
North American Trade Schools
All-State Career
American Beauty Academy
Baltimore School of Massage
Chimes

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

“Honoring our Veterans”

The event is open to all job seekers. There will be over 50 employers representing a variety of positions and will be on hand to interview job seekers.

Where: War Memorial Building
101 N. Gay Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
When: Monday November 3,2008
Time: 10:00a.m-2:00p.m

Directions go to: http://cityguide.aol.com/baltimore/entertainment/war-memorial-building-and-plaza/v-88784.
Public Transportation: Bus numbers- 8, 20,23,40,91.
War Memorial Building is served by the Maryland Department of Veteran Affairs.
Parking: On Lexington Street- $10.00/day
Please bring plenty of resumes and professional dress is recommended.

Sponsored by: Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Employment and Development, Baltimore County Workforce Development System & Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Job Fair-Contractor Expo

The Maryland Hispanic Workforce Council will host an unprecedented event on October 30, 2008: the Job Fair for Innovative Source of up-and-coming Human Capital.
The Job Fair objectives are to familiarize employers with the sources of underutilized communities, to provide job opportunities for the general population as well as for underserved communities, to assist attendees with job search, employment opportunities, job skills and career training.
Event: Job Fair and Contactor’s Expo (open to the public)
Date: Thursday, October 30, 2008
Time: 1:00pm to 6:00pm
Venue: Quality Inn, Laurel
Address: One 2nd Street, Laurel, MD 20707
Apply For Jobs In: Construction
Manufacturing, Light and Heavy industrial
Hospitals, Medical & Health
Financial, Banking, Insurance
Customer Service, Sales, and many others

Job seekers are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resumes to give to employers and to come prepared to fill out job applications.
Get ready for a new and better future!
For more information please contact us at:
(410)558-3515 or 1-866-787-3727
E-mail: workforce@mdhcc.net
Web site: http://www.mdhcc.net

EG Weekly Publication

EG Weekly Publication October 27-November 2
EG Weekly Publication October 27-November 2


Check out this week's great career opportunities:
Signature Flight Support
North American Trade Schools
Bello Machre
All-State Career
American Beauty Academy
Chimes
Harbor Hospital
Gallagher Services

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

How to give job winning answers to interview questions

Human Resources personnel, professional recruiters and various other career experts all agree: one of the best ways to prepare yourself for a job interview is to anticipate questions, develop your answers, and practice, practice, practice.

First, know these important facts:
1. There is no way to predict every question you will be asked during a job interview. In other words, expect unexpected questions--they'll come up no matter how much preparation you do.

2. Treat any sample answers you find, such as in discussion forums, books or on Internet job sites, as guides only. Do not use any sample answers word for word! Interviewers can spot "canned" answers a mile away, and if they suspect you are regurgitating answers that are not your own, you can kiss that job goodbye. You must apply your own experiences, personality and style to answer the questions in your own way. This is crucial, and it will give you a big advantage over candidates who simply recite sample answers.

3. Job interview questions are not things to fear, they are opportunities to excel. They allow you to show why you are the best person for the job, so instead of dreading them, look forward to them! The key is to give better answers than anyone else, and that's where your preparation comes in.

Now, take these actions:
1. Make a list of your best "selling points" for the position. What qualifications, skills, experience, knowledge, background, personality traits do you possess that would apply to this particular job? Write them down and look for opportunities to work them into your answers.

2. In addition to any sample job interview questions you find through various resources, you absolutely must develop your own list of probable questions based specifically on the job for which you are applying. Put yourself in the hiring manager's shoes… what kinds of questions would you ask to find the best person for this job?

3. Write down your answers to likely questions. Study the job announcement carefully. (If you don't have one, get one!) Note the phrases they use when describing the desired qualifications. You'll want to target these as much as possible when developing your answers. For example, if the announcement says they want someone with "strong customer service skills," make sure you include "strong customer service skills" in at least one of your answers. That will make a better impression than saying "I helped customers."

4. Review and edit your answers until you feel they are "just right." Read them over and over until you are comfortable that you know them fairly well. Don't try to memorize them; don't worry about remembering every word. Practice saying them out loud. If possible, have a friend help you rehearse for the interview.

Here are some more very important tips:
1. Be a (Short) Story Teller
Make use of this old marketing tip: "Facts tell but stories sell." During a job interview, you are selling yourself. Whenever possible, answer questions with a short story that gives specific examples of your experiences. Notice I said "short." You don't want to ramble or take up too much time; you want to be brief but still make your point.

For example, imagine two people interviewing for a job as a dog groomer are asked, "Have you ever dealt with aggressive dogs?" Candidate Joe answers, "Yes, about 10% of the dogs I've groomed had aggressive tendencies." Candidate Mary answers, "Oh yes, quite often. I remember one situation where a client brought in his Pit Bull, Chomper. He started growling at me the moment his owner left, and I could tell from his stance he wasn't about to let me get near his nails with my clippers. I think he would've torn my arm off if I hadn't used the Schweitzer Maneuver on him. That calmed him down right away and I didn't have any problems after that." (I know nothing about dog grooming; I made the Schweitzer Maneuver up for illustrative purposes.)

Don't you agree that Mary's answer is better? Sure, Joe answered the question, but Mary did more than that--she gave a specific example and told a quick story that will be remembered by the interviewers.

In today's job market where there are dozens of highly qualified candidates for each opening, anything you do that will make you stand out and be remembered will greatly increase your odds of getting hired.

2. Keep the Interviewer's Perspective in Mind; Answer His "What's in it for Me?" Question
While many questions asked during job interviews appear to focus on your past accomplishments, here's an important tip: they may be asking about what you did, but what they really want to know is what you can do now, for them.

Information provided by: Winning tips to answer interview questions

Monday, October 20, 2008

EG Weekly Publication

EG Weekly Publication October 20-October 26
EG Weekly Publication October 20-October 26


Check out this week's great career Opportunities:
Chimes
The Employment Guide
Staff Quest
North American Trade Schools
All-State Career
Stella Maris
Pendum
First Transit

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Benefits of Truck Driving.





If you're thinking of changing careers, a move into the truck driving industry may offer you more benefits than you might think. Due to a shortage of trucks drivers, many trucking companies are paying even more for qualified people to haul loads across the country. With more than 70% of the nation's economy being delivered by trucks, more truckers will continue to be needed. In other words, the trucking industry has plenty to offer interested candidates. Consider the following benefits of being a truck driver.


• Good pay
With a national shortage of drivers, companies are willing to give bonuses and increased pay for truck drivers, particularly for long-haul truckers. Companies also pay substantially more for reliable, safe drivers because they are rare. In fact, they can earn more than some college graduates. Another bonus is that unlike some companies, they are usually guaranteed pay raises as they add on years of experience.
• Benefits
Most trucking companies offer major benefits for their employees. Benefits for truck drivers can include medical, dental, vision, prescription medication coverage, life insurance, and retirement plans. Truckers may also receive paid vacation and holidays. Their great benefits rival many large companies, even some in the Fortune 500 category.
• Bonuses
Trucking companies may offer bonuses for certain loads carried or distances traveled. Bonuses may also be given for safety records or longevity with a company.
• Flexibility
A flexible schedule is available to truck drivers through many trucking companies. Drivers can also decide what type of hauls they would like to drive. They can decide between local runs, long distance runs or cross-region runs. Some companies even allow pets or children to come along during the traditionally solo rides.
• Changing Scenery
Truckers can see most of the U.S. while they work. The scenery constantly changes and there are usually points of interest to see along the way. Is your office view as good as a trucker's view? Becoming a truck driver can be a great way to start seeing and doing.
• Job Security
Truck driving provides job security for those that move frequently. It also promises a secure job market because trucking companies always need drivers, particularly if you have a few years of safe driving under your belt. A job is as secure as you make it.
• Teams
Working as a team with a spouse or colleague gives truckers a way to earn a higher income on long runs. Teams receive bonuses for making faster deliveries and can earn over $100,000 per year.
With benefits better and above some office jobs, a career as a truck driver may be the right move.
If you are interested in switching to working in a mobile office as a truck driver start searching for available jobs at www.careersingears.com
Information provided by: Benefits of truck driving.

Monday, October 13, 2008

EG Weekly Publication

EG Weekly Publication October 13-October 19
EG Weekly Publication October 13-October 19


Check out this weeks's great career opportunities:
UPS
North American Trade Schools
All-State Career
Stella Maris
Ruxton Health & Rehabilitation Center
First Transit
Pendum
Admiral Security Services
CES Security

Friday, October 10, 2008

The top five reasons to work in the healthcare industry.


The recruiting for healthcare positions keeps growing and growing. “Whether you are a recent graduate or have been working professional” in the healthcare field, www.healthcareerweb.com will help you get the most out of your job search. There are many of medical professions such as pharmacy technician, nursing jobs, and physician assistant, and medical billing and many more that are included on the health career web.
Working in the Healthcare industry offers many rewards and benefits. Find out more about what you'll gain by pursuing a career in Healthcare today!

1. Job Growth, Job Growth, and MORE Job Growth!
According the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, EIGHT of the Top 20 fastest growing professions are in the Healthcare Industry! And the Healthcare industry has over 13 million jobs. What does this mean for you? It means that as a Healthcare professional, you will enjoy more options – and much better job security and stability. Most likely you will not be downsized, thanks to advances in medicine, and the country's aging population, which is continually increasing demand for medical professionals across the board.
2. Touch Lives - Make an Impact
In what other profession can you touch lives the way you can in the Healthcare industry? You could help bring a new life into the world, or save a life from ending. You can change lives, impacting families the way only healthcare professionals are able to. Not only will you impact individuals, you could also make an impact on entire communities, providing healthcare in a variety of forms or treating diseases and ailments of all sorts.
3. Jobs Available for ALL Education and Experience Levels
Whether you have a GED or a PhD, there is an exciting healthcare career available to you. Sure you need many years of school to be a doctor or a nurse, but there are hundreds of other roles available in the Healthcare industry to be explored.
4. Competitive Earning Potential
Due to the high demand for workers in the healthcare industry, careers in healthcare are some of the most lucrative options available. The more highly skilled you are, the higher your pay will be.
5. Never a Dull Moment!
Why do you think there are so many TV shows about hospitals and medical professionals? Shows like Greys Anatomy, ER, Scrubs, Private Practice are successful because the medical field is exciting, ever-changing, and dramatic in nature. Healthcare is fast paced, you are dealing with life or death situations, and new patients come in every day, so you never will experience the same day twice.

Information provided by: Top 5 reasons to work in healthcare

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

EG Weekly Publication

EG Weekly Publication October 6-October 12
EG Weekly Publication October 6-October 12


Check out this week's great career opportunitites:
American Red Cross
Corporate Express
Arc of Baltimore
North American Trade Schools
All-State Career
Baltimore School of Massage
Signature Flight Support
First Transit

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Looking for a job?

Top ten ways to find a job.
1.Make use of Internet resources such as Workopolis.com and online job banks.
2.Subscribe to a daily newspaper and use the “help wanted” section to your advantage.
3.Use a fax machine and fax resumes (by the dozens) to companies that you would like to work for. Don't get discouraged if you don't hear back right away just keep on faxing until you do.
4.Use temporary employment agencies as a springboard to permanent employment.
5.Fax or e-mail your resume to all of the temporary employment agencies that you find listed in your local phonebook. Always use a personalized cover letter and make it job specific.
6.Go to your employment office or community job resource center and register. They can be invaluable when it comes to looking for a job.
7.Take advantage of free job search resources (such as resume printing and job search help) offered by community employment centers. Some even offer telephone message answering services (for those with no telephones) so you can put a callback number on your application.
8.Check call centers and telemarketing agencies. These types of businesses often have openings and the pay will hold you over until you find something more to your liking.
9.Go door to door (to businesses) with a briefcase full of resumes. Some employers like to see the faces behind resumes and you just may arrive at a business when there is an opening that you qualify for. (Timing is everything in some cases)
10.Use your local yellow pages to call companies and see if they are accepting applications or taking rƩsumƩs. If they are you can immediately fax them your resume or get your local employment center to do the faxing for you. (You can even take advantage of the free job related use of a telephone from local employment centers).

Using these tips, your job hunting will go much smoother and be more effective. You do not want to waste yours' or anyone else's time. Having many effective job searching tools is a start to finding employment in the shortest time period necessary.

Information provided by: The top ten ways to find a job

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

The Baltimore Employment Guide September29-October 4

The Baltimore Employment Guide September29-October 4
The Baltimore Employment Guide September29-October 4


Check out this week's great career opprtunities:
American Beauty Academy
Good Shepherd Center
All-State Careers
Baltimore Bartending School
North American Trade Schools
Wackenhut Corporation
Pendum
First Transit
Canteen Correctional Services
Erickson
Ruxton Health & Rehabilitation Center

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Interview Questions for you to Ask!

Job interviewing is a two-way street. For the candidate and the employer alike, the objective is the best hiring match possible. The questions you ask in an interview are as important as how you answer the interviewer’s questions.
Formulating a list of questions is a good practice in preparation for any job interview. Most often, candidates do not know whether they will have another chance to ask questions about a job for which they are applying, so it is a good idea to go into the interview prepared to come out with job related questions answered.
Too frequently, the job search puts candidates into a position of near desperation to take the first job that meets their most basic criteria — it pays enough to get by. Therefore, less emphasis is placed on whether it is a good long-term fit than on whether the job can be “the one.”
Besides the questions you have already formulated, below is a list of others you might want to ask at your next interview. Some of these may not be applicable to all situations, so you can begin by deciding which of these are important to you.
About the Position
Why is this position open?
How often has the position been filled in the past three years?
What are some of the objectives you would like to see accomplished in this job?
What would you like to be done differently by the next person who fills this position?
If I were chosen for this position, what would be my top three priorities?
What are some of the more difficult problems one would have to face in this position?
How will you and the company evaluate / know if I am successful at this position?
About the Company
In your opinion, what products and services make this company the most successful?
Do you see any significant changes to the company in the near future?
What are the advancement opportunities for this position?
If it seems awkward to ask your question, you may consider beginning by asking, “May I ask you a few questions?” It is helpful to prioritize your questions, so that the most important ones get answered.
It is okay to have your questions written and in front of you as you ask them. Besides the questions above, you should ask specific inquiries about the company and this will show you have done your research.

Information provided by: Interview questions for you to ask.

Monday, September 22, 2008

The Baltimore Employment Guide September22-September28

EG Weekly Publication September22-September28
EG Weekly Publication September22-September28


Check out this weeks great career opportunities:
American Red Cross
Chimes
North American Trade Schools
John Hopkins
Stella Maris
Pendum
All-State Career
American Beauty Academy

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Job Fair Success!!

In today’s job market, we know that job seekers are looking for ways to find employment. The Employment Guide is here to help the young, old and mature get on the right path to a new career.

Seventeen hundred people walked through the doors yesterday in hopes of finding a new job or start a new career. As the job seekers walked through the door we handed them an Employment Guide bag with a job seeker survival guide and a copy of our paper.

The doors were open from 10am until 2pm and this allowed hundreds of job seekers to speak with employers and submit their resumes. Some job seekers had interviews set up while others walked around and filled out applications for employers that interested them. There were forty employers that attended our job fair and they were very busy talking to the job seekers.

The Employment Guide also provided a table for the applicants to sign up for job alerts and/or complete job applications. The job alerts will be sent to their e-mail address letting them know what jobs are available for the job industries that the job seeker has chosen. They were over six hundred applicants that signed up. If you haven’t registered please do so at www.employmentguide.com.

Our job fair at The Baltimore Convention was a complete success!!

The next job fair is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, 2008 from 10am-3pm at Anne Arundel Community college. If you are a job seeker looking for a career in the health field please be sure to attend.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

The Baltimore Employment Guide September15-September21

EG Weekly Publication September 15th-September 21st
EG Weekly Publication September 15th-September 21st


Check out this weeks great career opportunites:
North American Trade Schools
Chimes
Corporate Express
George Hildebrandt, Inc.
Alban Tractor
First Transit
Mercy Ridge
Oak Crest
Professional Healthcare
Chipotle
All-State Career

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

The Baltimore EG job fair!

Looking for a career opportunity?
The Baltimore Employment guide is having a Job Fair.

When: Wednesday, September 17
Where: The Baltimore Convention center
One West Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Time: 10am-2pm
The following Employers will be attending from the Baltimore and surrounding areas:
Accountants, Inc.
Alban Tractor
Algorithme Pharma
All-state Career
The Arc of Baltimore
Avon Products, Inc.
Baltimore City Department of Social Services
Baltimore County Police Department
Chesapeake Financial Group
Chimes
Community College of Baltimore County
DeVry University
DISH Network
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Euler Hermes
FutureCare
Mary Kay Cosmetics
Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene
Maryland Department of Public Safety
Maryland Transportation Authority Police
Maryland New Directions
NIDA
P-B Health
Pendum, Inc.
Provident Bank
Primerica
Sheraton Baltimore City
Sodexho
Stella Maris
Tessco
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
Travel Advantage Network
United States Army
Utiliquest
WCBM
Wendy’s
Don’t forget to bring plenty of resumes and to dress for success. Some employers may interview on the spot so be prepared. Here are some helpful links to look over before you attend the job fair.
How to Answer the Four Most Common Interview Questions.
Dressing-for-Interview-Success
Resume-do’s-don’ts

I hope to see you there and wish you success in your career search!
Be sure to check back daily for an updated list.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Why Didn't I get the job?

If you went on a job interview don’t be discouraged if you didn’t get the job. I have a list that will help you improve on your next interview. Employmentguide .com has plenty of great career opportunities available.

Reason for Job Rejection: Why Did I Not Get the Job?

Candidates who appear to be highly qualified for a particular opening, but who fail to land the job, often wonder why they were rejected.
There is no single reason, of course. Sometimes another candidate's experience and background is even more on target than yours. Sometimes the person making the hiring decision simply likes another candidate more than you (and will concoct a more rational reason if necessary). Sometimes it's just sheer luck. But there often are real, rational reasons why candidates aren't chosen. With the economy tightening and companies being more careful about who they hire, understanding the reasons you may be turned down can help increase the odds you'll actually land the job you want.

Here are some reasons employers say no:
Appearance-This may sound superficial or discriminatory, but if your appearance doesn't meet the unspoken assumptions of the hiring official, you won't get the job. Most employers aren't seeking models; they want employees who are neat, clean, attentive to detail (no shirt tails hanging out) and look like people with whom customers and co-workers would want to be associated. So look at yourself critically. Shine your shoes. Wear conservative clothing that's pressed and fits well. Make sure your nails and hands are clean. And comb your hair.
No work references-This is an obvious red flag, says Allen Salikof, president of Management Recruiters International, a search and recruitment company. If a prospective employer can't ask anyone about your work experience, how can the company make an informed decision about hiring you? Even if you didn't get along well with your boss at your most recent job, get a colleague or someone in position of responsibility at a former workplace to vouch for your ability to do the job.
Attitude-If you seem angry or hostile you won't get the job. You may not be aware of your behavior, but if you seem to describe everyone you mention as a jerk, or if you denigrate a former employer, you come across as a malcontent.
Accomplishments-What specifically did you do on your last job? If you're purposely or unintentionally vague, a prospective employer can't figure out what you're capable of doing. Not clearly discussing your work makes your accomplishments - and you - suspect.
Interview behavior- Were you late to your interview? Were you less than courteous to anyone at the prospective employer's place of work? Were your phone manners less than perfect? If you don't conduct yourself professionally during the interview process, you will be disqualified.
Unusual commute- This may seem odd to note, but employers will look askance at anyone who lives too far from the job. Even if you're willing to drive 90 minutes each way to get to work or take three trains and a bus, an employer will wonder why you can't find a job that doesn't require such gyrations. They'll also be concerned - rightly - that your commute will affect attendance, punctuality and performance.
Playing hard to get-Taking too long to consider a job offer is a sign the employer isn't your first choice. That's not the way to start a new work relationship.
Information provided by: Reason for job rejection.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

EG Weekly Publication September 1st-September 7th




Check out this weeks great career opportunitites:
Lifetouch National School Studeos
Corporate Express
All-State Career
North American Trade Schools
Tesst College of Technology
Professional Healthcare Resources
Stella Maris
Ruxton Health & Rehabilitation Center
Pendum, Inc.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Baltimore Job Fair Video

Looking for a job in Baltimore, MD?

The Employment Guide is having a job fair at The Baltimore Convention Center.

When: Wednesday September, 17th
Time: 10:00am-2:00pm
Where: One west Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21201

Be sure to dress for success and bring plenty of resumes.

Check out our video from our June job fair at Anne Arundel Community college.
Click on this link: Baltimore job fair video

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Top Ten Interview Mistakes.

What shouldn't you do when interviewing? Here are a selection of blunders, mistakes and errors a candidate for employment can make. Spend time preparing to interview so these don't happen to you!
Top 10 Interview Blunders

1. Don't Prepare
Not being able to answer the question "What do you know about this company?" might just end your quest for employment, at least with this employer. Background information including company history, locations, divisions, and a mission statement are available in an "About Us" section on most company web sites. Review it ahead of time, then print it out and read it over just before your interview to refresh your memory.
2. Dress Inappropriately
Dressing inappropriately can work both ways. You will certainly want to wear a suit if you are interviewing for professional position. When interviewing for a summer job at your local theme park or as a lifeguard, for example, dress accordingly in neat and casual attire. If you aren't sure what to wear, visit the organization and watch employees coming in and out of the office to see what they are wearing.
3. Poor Communication Skills
It's important to communicate well with everyone you meet in your search for employment. It is, however, most important to positively connect with the person who might hire you. Shake hands, make eye contact, exude confidence, engage the person you are speaking with, and you will let the interviewer know that you are an excellent candidate for this position - before you even answer an interview question.
4. Too Much Communication
Believe it or not, a recent candidate for employment, who, by the way, didn't get the job, didn't hesitate to answer his cell phone when it rang during an interview. Leave the phone behind or at least turn it off before you enter the building. Same goes for coffee, food and anything else other than you, your resume, your job application, and your list of references. They don't belong at an interview.
5. Talk Too Much
There is nothing much worse than interviewing someone who goes on and on and on... The interviewer really doesn't need to know your whole life story. Keep your answers succinct, to-the-point and focused and don't ramble - simply answer the question.
6. Don't Talk Enough
It's really hard to communicate with someone who answers a question with a word or two. I remember a couple of interviews where I felt like I was pulling teeth to get any answers from the candidate. It wasn't pleasant. So, even though you shouldn't talk too much, you do want to be responsive and fully answer the question as best you can.
7. Fuzzy Facts
Even if you have submitted a resume when you applied for the job, you may also be asked to fill out a job application. Make sure you know the information you will need to complete an application including dates of prior employment, graduation dates, and employer contact information.
8. Give the Wrong Answer
Make sure you listen to the question and take a moment to gather your thoughts before you respond. Like the following candidate, you'll knock yourself out of contention if you give the wrong answer.
The interviewer had completely described a sales and marketing position to the candidate. She emphasized that cold calling and prospecting were the most important skills and experiences needed for the position. The candidate responded to the question about what she did or didn't like to do in sales, with these words: "I hate to do cold calling and prospecting, and I'm not good at it." That response ensured that she wouldn't get the job!
9. Badmouthing Past Employers
Your last boss was an idiot? Everyone in the company was a jerk? You hated your job and couldn't wait to leave? Even if it's true don't say so. I cringed when I heard someone ranting and raving about the last company she worked for. That company happened to be our largest customer and, of course, I wasn't going to hire someone who felt that way about the company and everyone who worked there.
It's sometimes a smaller world than you think and you don't know who your interviewer might know, including that boss who is an idiot... You also don't want the interviewer to think that you might speak that way about his or her company if you leave on terms that aren't the best.
10. Forget to Follow UpAfraid you didn't make the best impression? Are you sure that you aced the interviewed? Either way, be sure to follow up with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the position and the company.
Finally, even if you do flub the interview, don't take it to heart. I don't think there is anyone hasn't blown an interview or two. If it happens, look at it like it just wasn't meant to be, learn from your mistakes and move on to the next opportunity.
Information provided by: Top 10 interview Blunders.

Monday, August 25, 2008

EG Weekly Publication August 25-August 31




Check out this weeks great career opportunitites!
Chimes
Corporate Express
American Red Cross
North American Trade Schools
All-State Career
Baltimore Bartender School
ECS-Mid Atlantic
Lifetouch National School Studios, Inc.
St. Elizabeth Rehabilitation
Signature Flight Support

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Tips for cutting back expenses in Baltimore

Here are some tips for cutting back expenses in today’s soft economy and you will see the extra dollars add up in your pocket.

Tip #1: A penny earned is a penny saved.
When you have few options on how to save cash, sometimes the only thing you can do is make some more money. Take out a second job, or research ways that you can make some more money from home (hint: writing articles like this pays pretty good). You've got talents, why not promote yourself on Craigslist or find freelance work on the internet. If you can do third grade math, you can be a tutor! If you can use some of your spare time to your advantage, why not? Generating more income, plus using all of these tips, is the surest way to make your cash go the distance. For more information about easy ways to make some extra cash, check out the sites listed below.

Tip #2: Bag Lunch
It can be fun to go out to lunch with your friends every day, but the fact is, even if you're eating McDonalds and Taco Bell, you're spending roughly $5 a day on your food. That's $50 every paycheck that goes directly into your stomach.
By taking a quick trip to the grocery store and spending a little time in the kitchen every Sunday afternoon, you can whip up a full weeks worth of chili or soup for maybe $10. Even if you have no cooking skills whatsoever, there's box mixes and Mac and cheese that can keep plenty of your hard earned money back where it belongs: in the bank!

Tip #3: Your Local Library
Libraries have been under the gun recently since few kids seem to care about reading these days. So what have libraries done to combat this? Expanded! Now your local library will carry popular DVDs and VHS tapes, CDs, and mine even has Playstation Video games, in addition to the books. Make the library your first stop for an evening's entertainment, and you have yourself a winner! (Another tip: many college textbooks are also available in the reference section, so you may not even need to buy those).

Tip #4: I'll have water
Soda can cost you as much as $2 these days. Water is free. Need I say more?

Tip #5: Save it all up
Instead of taking daily trips to the grocery store or Laundromat, save up all of your shopping and dirty clothes and do them once a week instead. You can always buy in bulk and save money. Small, one-load washing machines in my apartment building cost $1.25, but if I fill up a three-load washer, it's only $2.75.

Tip #6: eBay!
When you have few options on how to save cash, sometimes the only thing you can do is make some more money. Take out a second job, or research ways that you can make some more money from home (hint: writing articles like this pays pretty good). You've got talents, why not promote yourself on Craigslist or find freelance work on the internet. If you can do third grade math, you can be a tutor! If you can use some of your spare time to your advantage, why not? Generating more income, plus using all of these tips, is the surest way to make your cash go the distance. For more information about easy ways to make some extra cash, check out the sites listed below.

Tip #7: Walking
When you constantly drive everywhere, you're spending a lot of money on gas. College students know, you don't drive to class, you walk. You also walk to the restaurant, the post office, and basically, anywhere you need to be that is within a half mile radius of your home. It's cheap, it's healthy, and it can save you some serious money.

Tip #8: Cut down on expenses
Do you really need 1000 channels of Cable TV? Could you commission a friend to dye your hair instead of a salon? How about those fresh flowers that you bring to your girlfriend every other week? There are expenses in everyone's life that can be cut down or taken out completely, and identifying and eliminating them can save you a bunch of money.


Tip #9: Start Slow.
Figure out what 3% of your gross paycheck would be, and set that money aside every time you get paid. If you have the discipline to keep it in your checking account, go right ahead and do that, but for most people, the only way to be sure that you don't spend it is to make a withdrawl, and hide the cash in an envelope. Eventually, once you get a substantial amount, you can create your own savings account, which will considerably lessen the temptation to spend.

Once you get used to living by spending only 97% of what you make, it's time to take the next step, save 10% and spend 90%. Keep on going until you can't afford to save any more. Within two or three months, you should have a nice little stash.

If you are looking for a job or a career change check out www.employment guide.com or www.healthcareerweb.com for healthcare.

Information provided by: Nine tips to cut expenses.

Monday, August 18, 2008

EG Weekly Publication August 18-August 24




Check out this weeks great career opportunities:
Corporate Express
North American Trade Schools
John Hopkins University
Ruxton Healthcare
Professional Healthcare Resources
All-State Career
Signature Flight Support
Maryland Department of Public Safety

Friday, August 15, 2008

Resume Do's and Don'ts

Looking for a great career opportunity? Simply go to www.employmentguide.com for a complete listing of all different companies that are currently recruiting.
Here are the keys to successfully preparing and writing a resume. Follow these simple rules and you should achieve success in this important phase of job-hunting.

Do consider a bulleted style to make your resume as reader-friendly as possible.
Don't get overwrought about the old "one-page resume rule." It's good to keep your resume to one page, if possible, but if you have a lot of experience, two pages may be more appropriate. If your resume spills beyond one page, but you have less than a half a page of material for the second page, it may be best to condense to one page.
•But don't go beyond two pages with your resume.
Do consider a resume design that doesn't look like everyone else's. Many jobseekers use Microsoft Word resume templates and wizards. There's nothing wrong with them, per se, but your resume won't look distinctive if you use one; it will look like the resume of everyone else who used a Word template. These templates and wizards can also be a bit inflexible to work with.
Don't use justified text blocks; they put odd little spaces between words. Instead, make your type flush left.
Don't ever lie on your resume.
Do include as much contact information as possible -- any information that would enable an employer to reach you during business hours.
Do give your resume as sharp a focus as possible. Given that employers screen resumes for between 2.5 and 20 seconds, you need a way to show the employer at a glance what you want to do and what you're good at. One way to sharpen your focus is through an objective statement. The objective statement can be very simple and straightforward; it can be simply the title of the position you're applying for, which can be adjusted for every job you apply for. Or you can embellish the Objective statement a bit with language telling how you'll benefit the employer. Something like: "Objective: To contribute strong ____________ skills and experience to your firm in a _____________ capacity."
In this day of being able to manage our own computer files, you could have several versions of your resume that are exactly the same except for the objective. A specific objective is always better than a vague or general one.
Do consider a section such as "Summary of Qualifications," or "Profile," which can also help sharpen your focus..
Don't discount the possibility of a functional format for your resume. This format can be strategic for career changers, students and others who lack experience, those with gaps in their employment, as well as those re-entering the workforce. A functional resume is organized around functional skills clusters. After listing three to four skills clusters and showing how you've demonstrated those skills, you provide a bare-bones work history at the bottom.
Don't use personal pronouns (I, my, me) in a resume.
Do list your job information in order of importance to the reader. In listing your jobs, what's generally most important is your title/position. So list in this preferred order: Title/position, name of employer, city/state of employer, dates of employment.
Don't leave out the locations of your past jobs (city and state). This information is expected, but many jobseekers unwittingly omit it.
Do list your jobs in reverse chronological order.
Don't mix noun and verb phrases when describing your jobs. Preferably, use concrete action verbs consistently.
Do avoid the verb, "Work" because it's a weak verb. Everyone works. Be more specific. "Collaborate(d)" is often a good substitute.
Do think in terms of accomplishments when preparing your resume. Accomplishments are so much more meaningful to prospective employers than run-of-the-mill litanies of job responsibilities.
Don't use expressions like "Duties included," "Responsibilities included," or "Responsible for." That's job-description language, not accomplishments-oriented resume language that sells.
Do emphasize transferable skills, especially if you don't have much experience or seek to change careers.
Do quantify whenever possible. Use numbers to tell employers how many people you supervised, by what percentage you increased sales, how many products you represented, etc.
Don't list too much experience on your resume. The rule of thumb for someone with many years of experience is to list about 15 years worth of jobs. Age discrimination, unfortunately, is a reality, and even more likely, employers may think you're too expensive if you list too much experience on your resume.
Don't emphasize skills and job activities you don't want to do in the future, even if they represent great strengths for you. In fact, you may not even want to mention these activities. Why describe how great your clerical skills are if you don't want to do clerical work in the future?
Do remember that education also follows the principle about presenting information in the order of importance to the reader; thus the preferred order for listing your education is: Name of degree (spelled out: Bachelor of ________ ) in name of major, name of university, city/state of university, graduation year (unless you graduated more than about 15 years ago), followed by peripheral information, such as minor and GPA. If you haven't graduated yet, list your grad year anyway. Simply by virtue of the fact that the date's in the future, the employer will know you don't have the degree yet.
Don't list high school!
Don't include on your resume your height, weight, age, date of birth, place of birth, marital status, sex, ethnicity/race, health, social security number (except on an international resume), reasons for leaving previous job(s), names of former supervisors, specific street addresses or phone numbers of former employers, picture of yourself, salary information, the title "Resume," or any information that could be perceived as controversial, such as religion, church affiliations, or political affiliations.
Don't include hobbies or other irrelevant information on a resume. In most cases, they are seen as superfluous and trivial. An argument can be made that hobbies are interview conversation starters or that they make you seem well-rounded, but they are generally seen as fluff or filler.
Do, however, list sports if you're a college student or new grad. Many employers specifically seek out athletes because of their drive and competitiveness, as well as teamwork and leadership skills. Collegiate athletes should even consider listing their sports background in the Experience section.
Don't list references right on your resume. References belong in a later stage of the job search. Keep references on a separate sheet and provide them only when they are specifically requested.
Do realize that the phrase "References available upon request" is highly optional because it is a given that you will provide references upon request. If you couldn't, you would have no business looking for a job. The line can serve the purpose of signaling: "This is the end of my resume," but if you are trying to conserve space, leave it off.
Do proofread carefully. Misspellings and typos are deadly on a resume.

Information provided by: Resume-do’s-don’ts

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

EG Weekly Publication August11-August 17




Check out this weeks great career opportunities:
North American Trade Schools
American Beauty Academy
The Employment Guide
Chimes
All-State Career
George Hildebrandt,Inc.
Ivy Hall
Loomis
Signature Flight Support
Wackenhut Corporation
Alpha Security

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

The four most common interview questions

There are some questions that tend to pop up during almost every job interview.
The bad news: These questions can be quite difficult to answer.
The good news: Because they are so common, you can prepare for them well in advance and give a perfect answer without breaking a sweat.
So allow me to present four of the most common -- yet most perplexing -- interview questions and how you can best answer them.

1."Tell Me a Little About Yourself"
Sometimes the most general question can be the hardest. How can you sum up your entire life story in just a couple of minutes?
You don't.
This oldest of questions is not an invitation to talk about your difficult childhood, your favorite grandmother or how you won the state swim competition in high school. Instead, it's a request for you to describe what you can offer the company.
In his excellent book 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions, author Ron Fry suggests focusing on:
•Your key accomplishments at previous jobs.
•The strengths demonstrated by those accomplishments.
•How these relate to the job for which you're applying.
The goal is not to summarize your resume -- the interviewer already has a copy of that. Rather, tell how you came to be interested in this particular company and job, and weave examples of past accomplishments throughout to demonstrate why you are the perfect candidate.
2."Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?"
Did you resign? Get laid off? Get fired? Storm out of the office in a huff, never to return? Chances are you'll have to explain it in an interview.
The most important point to remember when answering this question: STAY POSITIVE.
The biggest sign of a troublemaker is when someone trashes his or her former boss or company during an interview. It doesn't matter if your boss was a jerk or if you hated your coworkers -- an interview is not the place to vent past frustrations.
Rather, the best way to answer this question is to stay positive and talk about your desire for growth opportunities. This will paint you as a proactive employee who enjoys responsibility and challenges.
Here are some quick pointers for answering this question, depending on your circumstances:
•If you were fired: Be honest, but quick about explaining it. Don't get into the political details; rather, explain what you learned from the experience and how it makes you an even stronger employee today. It's not a good idea to lie about your termination. When the interviewer calls your references, he or she will most likely find out you were fired anyway. So be honest, and explain what you learned.
•If you were laid off: This is not nearly as taboo as it was even five years ago, so don't apologize or act defeated. If a company goes bankrupt or had massive layoffs, simply explain, "Because of the economy, the company decided to eliminate six departments, including mine."
•If you quit: Again, be honest and stay positive. State that the work being offered wasn't challenging enough, that you are seeking higher levels of responsibility or simply that you are ready to make the next step on your career ladder -- and that the job for which you are interviewing is the ideal next step.
The secret is to stay positive and discuss your desire for growth. Hiring managers love applicants who actively seek responsibility.
3."What's Your Biggest Weakness?"
What are you supposed to do -- tell them why they SHOULDN'T hire you?
The "weakness" question is popular with interviewers not because they want to torture you, but because they're interested in hearing how you tackle challenges.
The most important thing to remember is that after you name your weakness, you MUST discuss what you have done to overcome it.
Pick a weakness that is real but understandable or relatively harmless. Whatever weakness you pick, be sure that it is work-related ("I have a tendency to overfeed my dog" is NOT an appropriate weakness) and that you present the strategies for how you overcame it.
Here are a few examples:
•"I used to have a tendency to procrastinate. So now I am always sure to set a strict schedule for all of my projects well in advance and I set personal deadlines. This organization has really helped."
•"Once in a while, I focus too much on the details of a project. So now, when I'm working on a project, I always make sure at the end of the day to sit back and take a few minutes to think about the general scope of my work. It forces me to keep priorities straight and helps me keep the right mindset."
•"I used to have some problems with organization. So now I carry a schedule book around throughout the day and I also use this Palm Pilot to keep me on track. It's worked out great!"
You don't want to pick a weakness that will torpedo your chances -- even your weakness should speak strongly toward your skills. The examples above all address honest weaknesses; here are a few other "safe" weaknesses that are easy to discuss:
•I tend to be a perfectionist.
•I sometimes work too hard, leading to unnecessary stress.
4."Do You Have Any Questions for Me?"
Yes, you do.
You should always try to ask a thoughtful question or two at the end of an interview. It shows that you've been listening and that you've done your research on the company.
What should you ask? In his book 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions, Ron Frey suggests some of the following queries:
•Does this job usually lead to other positions at the company? What kind of positions?
•What do you like best about this company? Why?
DO NOT ask about salary, vacation days, benefits or anything else that would make it look like you're more interested in the compensation package than the company. Also, don't ask too many questions; just a couple will be fine.
And the most important question of all: Don't forget to ask for the job!
•I'm very interested in this job. It's exactly the kind of job that I'm looking for. What is the next step in the interview process?
Check out http://www.employmentguide.com to begin your job search. If you are looking for a job in the healthcare field click on this link. http://www.healthcareerweb.com

Information provided by: How to answer the top four interview questions.

Monday, August 4, 2008

August 4- August 10




Check out this weeks great career opportunities:
S.A.F.E Management
Chimes
Professional Healthcare
Corporate Express
North American Trade Schools
All-State Career
Alpha Security
CES Security
Lifetouch National Studios Inc.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

50+ Baby Boomers!



It can be difficult being 50+ and applying for a job. First of all don’t be discouraged. The key to a successful interview is confidence and an updated resume. Wiser Worker.com is dedicated to providing quality employment opportunities and resources to the largest demographic group in the country, Baby Boomers, 50+.
1. Don't wait to be laid off to look for a new job. It's always more difficult to find a job when you're out of work, and this is particularly true when you're over 55It's a perception issue: When you're employed, you're perceived as being "still in the game" you're looking for new work because you want new challenges. That's exactly what you want to project as an older worker. Once you're out of work, you risk being perceived as "washed up."
2. If you have been laid off, do a little soul-searching before deciding your next move. When you're younger, getting laid off is often a cause for panic; you dive right in to your job search. For older workers, force of habit may cause you to do the same thing. But now's a good time to think about what you really want at this stage of your life. Would you be happier doing what you do on a part-time basis? Finding a new job takes longer when you're older, so it's worth making sure you're committed to the path ahead.
3. "Dumb down" your resume. It's unfortunate, but age discrimination in the workplace is a very real problem. As a result, you might be screened out for a position simply because your job history goes back 30 years. Beyond age discrimination, there is the issue of being viewed as overqualified. If a company says it wants 10 years of experience, it might not want to pay for 30 and may screen you out without bothering to ask your salary requirements. In situations like these, you should use an alternative version of your resume that only goes back 10 or 15 years.
4. Put personal networking first. Most jobs for 55-plus executives come from personal referrals. In situations where you're seen as an individual rather than a demographic, you're going to have a much better chance. Build your personal network through online tools like LinkedIn and by becoming an active member of local professional groups. To make more time to network, spend less time searching for jobs online.
5. Target companies where the leadership skews older. Through your networking and research, you should seek out employers where the leadership team skews older; these companies are less likely to view you as a fossil simply because you qualify for AARP. If a company's execs are in their 30s and 40s, you might be out of luck. If they're in their 50s and above, however, being over 55 can be a real advantage, as you are more likely to be viewed as a cultural fit.
6. Be patient. When you're over 55, finding a new management or executive job generally takes twice as long as it does for younger executives. Perseverance is the key to success and this is more true the older you get.

Information Provided by: Job hunting tips for 50+

Monday, July 28, 2008

The Baltimore Employment Guide July28-Aug3




Check out this weeks career opportunites:
CES Security
North American Trade Schools
Chimes
Corporate Express
Durham School Services
Loomis
UtiliQuest
Signature Flight Support
Stella Maris
St. Elizabeth Rehabilitation & Nursing Center

Thursday, July 24, 2008


Do you have an upcoming job interview?
How about going to an upcoming job fair?

Here are some tips on how to dress for success.

For those of you, who need a quick review of the basics, follow these guidelines for successful interview dress:

Men and Women
•Conservative two-piece business suit (solid dark blue or grey is best)
•Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is best, pastel is next best)
•Clean, polished conservative shoes
•Well-groomed hairstyle
•Clean, trimmed fingernails
•Minimal cologne or perfume
•Empty pockets—no bulges or tinkling coins
•No gum, candy, or cigarettes
•Light briefcase or portfolio case
•No visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.) or tattoos

Men
•Necktie should be silk with a conservative pattern
•Dark shoes (black lace-ups are best)
•Dark socks (black is best)
•Get a haircut; short hair always fares best in interviews
•Fresh shave; mustaches are a possible negative, but if you must, make sure it is neat and trimmed
•No beards (unless you are interviewing for a job as a lumberjack!)
•No rings other than wedding ring or college ring
•No earrings (if you normally wear one, take it out)

Women
•Wear a suit with a jacket and skirt or slacks; no dresses
•Shoes with conservative heels
•Conservative hosiery at or near skin color (and no runs!)
•No purses, small or large; carry a briefcase instead
•If you wear nail polish, use clear or a conservative color
•Keep your makeup simple and natural (it should not be too noticeable)
•No more than one ring on each hand
•One set of earrings only
If you are still unsure about the specifics after reading the above guidelines, check out a copy of John Molloy’s New Dress for Success or New Women’s Dress for Success. While these books may seem to have a rather conservative slant, it is still the norm for interviewing. It is almost always better to be higher than the standard than lower.
Information provided by: Prep Dressing-for-Interview-Success.

Monday, July 21, 2008

The Baltimore Employment Guide July21-July 27




Check out the following great career opportunites:
Comcast
North American Trade Schools
All-State Career
American Beauty Academy
Signature Flight Support
George Hildebrant,Inc.
Canteen Correctional Services
Loomis
Professional Healthcare Resources

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Job Fair 7/16/08!!


Reasons to attend The Baltimore Convention Center job fair on July 16, 2008 10am-2pm.


You can:
•Investigate positions and career fields of interest
•Meet representatives from organizations for whom you are interested in working.
•Get more information about specific companies and organizations.
•Gain valuable interview experience.
•Increase your chances of interviewing with an employer.
•Receive sound job search advice from seasoned company recruiters.
•Develop your network of contacts!


What to expect
Many job fairs are comprised of employers from as well as other youth community providers. Employers expect to interact with young people seeking job opportunities as well as those simply researching careers and organizations. Community service providers will be prepared to offer information on different programs and services offered to youth, ages 16-21.

This job fair will be held in one big room. Rows of tables will be staffed by representatives from the participating organizations and decorated with table-top displays.

A student registration table will be located at the entrance to the job fair. Here, you will be asked to sign in, create a name tag, and complete a brief questionnaire. Lists of attending organizations and maps identifying their locations will also be available.

How to prepare for a job fair

If you are attending the job fair in search of employment, you should prepare for the experience as you would for an interview.

1.Review the list of organizations that will be attending the fair, then research those employers of interest to you. Specific lists may be viewed on this website. Visit the organization s website for more information.
2.Ensure that your resume (or personal fact sheet) reflects your most current accomplishments, skills, and experiences. Bring multiple copies of this information.
3.Practice answering specific interview questions and prepare questions you would like to ask the employer.
4.Consider how you will dress. If you are exploring job opportunities, we recommend you dress in professional business attire.
5.Prepare a strategy for how you will work the fair. Prioritize the employers with whom you'd like to speak, identify the information you want to get from them, and specify goals you hope to achieve by attending the fair. Be sure to distribute your resume to each employer, and also get a business card from a representative at each organization that interests you.
After the fair

Within two weeks of the fair, make follow-up contact with the representatives you spoke to, unless you have discussed an alternative arrangement.

Information Provided by Getting ready for the next job fair.