Thursday, January 19, 2012

Is Job Search Success Eluding You 3 Steps To The Right New Job

1Is Job Search Success Eluding You 3 Steps To The Right New Job Job hunting will always be stressful, particularly in times like these, but there are ways to reduce the stress and shorten the search. Success is a matter of knowing what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. Here are three steps to super-charge your search for a new job.STEP 1 ASSUME THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVEThere are dozens of small steps in a successful job search campaign. Many of them will lead to nothing, but each will add to the momentum of your search... and it is momentum that ultimately leads to success. Success is attracted to speed! Focus on the big picture and commit yourself to acquiring the right tools, developing a plan, and executing the plan relentlessly until you have received an offer you like. Remember, even in a bad market, you can track down good job openings and gain interviews -- if you go about it the right way.STEP 2 GATHER THE RIGHT TOOLSA paper resume, an electronic resume, good cover letters, resume cards, marketing lists and a plan. These are the tools you will use.A resume is probably your most important tool, so keep in mind that it is better to have no resume at all than to have a bad one. If possible, have your resume, both paper and electronic, prepared by a professional resume writer (not typist).Resume cards are equally important as they are able to go places your resume alone never could. They can open new doors and pave the way to getting your resume read... which must be accomplished in order to land interviews and job offers. Professional resume cards are opportunity stalkers!A target marketing list, for the most part researched and developed online, is best described as a list of employers who are not necessarily advertising new positions, but are known to employ persons with your background and skills. This list is your pathway to the invisible (hidden) job market.You should also compile a networking list (past supervisors, peers, customers, your banker, insurance agent... every professional person in your sphere with whom you enjoy good relations). Next come your personal reference list, the placement (employment) agencies you will contact, the websites you will use to post your resume and check job openings, plus any newspapers you will follow to check job advertisements and learn of new business start-ups or expansions.Finally, we come to your self-marketing plan. Without a written, comprehensive job search plan to which you are committed, you will do one thing today, something else tomorrow and perhaps nothing at all the following day. Consequently, you will build no momentum, which will lead to a lot of frustration and a prolonged job search. Job search should be a full-time job if you are unemployed and a regular part-time job otherwise.Develop a formal schedule for daily/weekly job search activities, giving top priority to tasks, such as telephoning, that must be handled during normal business hours. Computer and administrative work can be handled in the evening or as time permits during the day. Any job search must be flexible as there will be job fairs, networking events, employer interviews and other important functions that require time away from your desk... however, it's equally important to stay current with your job search plan.STEP 3 EXECUTE YOUR PLANBegin making daily networking contacts, applying online, posting your resume, handing out resume cards, answering advertisements -- in general following your formal job search plan. There are two important rules when applying online or mailing your resume to a prospective employer: first, visit and study their website so you will be equipped to write a compelling cover letter. Second, follow the employer's posted application instructions exactly as stated. Keep meticulous notes regarding all contacts and follow up each one with a telephone call, note or email. Maintain control by working your various lists in sections.The secret is to keep working the weekly schedule until you have been hired into a new position. Never break your momentum by waiting to hear from a job interview. Send thank-you notes to the interviewer(s) and get back to work.

Investment Banking Interview - What To Do If You Want To Succeed

1Investment Banking Interview - What To Do If You Want To Succeed Do you have what it takes to succeed in investment banking interview? Investment banking interview can be as stressful as the economic recession affecting investment banks. The right attitude and commitment to be an investment banker entails a myriad of preparations, physically, psychologically and emotionally.To be successful in an investment banking interview, you need to know what skills you have to offer and what kind of job your really want. The applicant may be bombarded with questions and faced with circumstances that will hinder success in an investment banking interview. This weakness, however, can be reversed and turned into a golden opportunity to nail an investment banking interview.Steps To Succeed An Investment Banking InterviewIf you want to succeed an "investment banking interview" draft an action plan, commit yourself and devote time to learn. An action plan is a list of things to do before heading off to face your interviewer and during the actual interview. Preparation is the first action that you must do.1. Submit a well-crafted cover letter and a powerful professional resume that highlights your strengths, qualifications, and experiences. You should get your resume into your heart and head. You must know all the details you have written on your resume. Review your resume from time to time so you get a mastery of what you can do. Remember that the position calls for a person who can perform a variety of crucial and vital tasks in the bank.2. Know all the questions, from personal to behavioral to technical and logical. It is very important that you get through all these categories and related questions. Do not miss out on anything that can be possibly asked at an interview. Some questions may be tricky - it's either you make them or break them. Some interviewers may twist questions. Be ready for this. There is a variety of resource materials available but do not limit yourself to reading and researching. Do some fieldwork and conduct your own little interviews with some insiders and other reputable and credible investment bankers.3. Know your interviewer and style of interview. Make a smart move by obtaining a profile of the person who is assigned to interview. Banks have a standard list of interviewers. They normally have a set of guide questions to gauge the applicant's suitability to the position being applied for. An ample knowledge and deep understanding of the qualifications of the post, industry services, company profile will be helpful to get the interviewer's attention. Simulate an interview, if possible or get some coaching.4. Be confident and show your interest. How much you have prepared for an "investment banking interview" will manifest at the actual interview. Confidence will definitely ooze especially when your interviewers see how much you know about the post and how much you understand the industry. Make it a point to show them that the interview is a learning activity and you enjoyed it as much.5. Grab the opportunity to ask a very well thought of question in conclusion. Do not fail to listen to the interviewer who is answering your question. At the end of the interview, remain cool and friendly. Express your gratitude with words and a handshake. Walk out of the interview area, with that look of confidence looking confident.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

How to Write an Email Interview Thank You Letter

1How to Write an Email Interview Thank You Letter Do a quick follow up with the employer by learning how to write an email interview thank you letter. Typically, only about 5% of those looking for a job send out thank you letters. Be one of the few and get a second interview or land the job.The key to success is to send out a note the same day or no later than the next. This way you can get your name in front of the employer as quickly as possible.Career experts and employers are not in total agreement on whether or not sending a thank you letter through email is proper protocol. Technology has changed the job search market with today's online job boards, email, and web resumes. Let the company's culture guide you when making your decision about emailing a thank you letter. Your best bet is to send an email and then follow up with a formal lette through snail mail.Follow the tips below and keep your thank you note brief: Be sure to check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Thank the interviewer for his or her time. Tailor the letter to the company and the relationship you established with the interviewer. If during the interview you forgot something of importance mention it in your email. Do reinforce important information provided during the interview. State your interest in the job being offered. Quick and to the point, that's how to write an email thank you letter. This sample can serve as a model when you write your email thank you note:Dear Mr. Jones,Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the position of Loan Officer at Bloomington National Bank. I believe my education and experience are a fit for your organization. I look forward to helping your bank expand its market share and achieve its goals as it expands into the commercial mortgage field.If I can provide you any additional information, please let me know.I look forward to working with you soon!Sincerely,James Lichner(123) 456-7890email addressFollow up with your thank you note as soon as possible and place yourself ahead of the competition in the job search race.