Online Job Hunting

How to Handle Interview Stress (Part 2)

As what I�ve emphasized in my previous post, interview stress can be minimized or even prevented. Here are some tips on how to handle interview stress:

1. Arrive to the interview site ahead of time. Timing is very important. Make sure that you arrive 10 to 15 minutes ahead of schedule so you could relax and prepare yourself physically and mentally before the interview.
2. Be confident. Confidence comes from within. Keep in your mind that your goal is to pass the interview and you can only do it if you are secure about yourself and your abilities.
3. Keep your calm and stay focus. Never panic as this will only screw up everything that you�ve prepared for. Concentrate on your goal of making a lasting impression.

How to Handle Interview Stress (Part 1)

I have a friend who was really scared of job interviews that he just decided to put up his own business instead of finding a job. Yes, a job interview can be dreadful and its effect to job seekers varies from mild to heavy.

Job seekers, may they be seasoned professionals or beginners, tend to experience interview stress. From the preparation up to the actual interview itself, job seekers can get exhausted. But just like any discomfort felt by people, interview stress is manageable. You just need to have confidence, a clear mind and a positive attitude. (to be concluded)

How to Make a Personal Brand

Creating a personal brand is one of the important tools to get the job you want. Creating a personal brand starts within yourself.

First, you have to know your personal value. Identify your beliefs, values, personal qualities, talents, expertise, experiences and vision. Second, know your contributions to the growth of people and organization in the past. Think of your accomplishments as a student, as a member of an organization or as a worker in your previous jobs. Third, know what you can contribute to the new job you are eyeing. Think of how you can be an asset to the company.

And last but not the least, know what makes you unique. It could be your skill or your vision that can make you stand out from the rest.

Take a peek at the company’s organizational chart.

by: Christine Zafra

When applying for a job, always know the organizational chart of the company you are applying for by heart. Well, that may be exaggerated but it may come handy when the dreaded letter writing comes. If for example, you’re applying for a job and you encounter this email address: hr_manager@company.com. Since you do not have any idea what gender the human resource manager has, you would probably write a letter with the “Dear Sir/Madam” salutation, or perhaps the most common (yet, most awkward if you are applying for a job!) “To whom it may concern”. It would be best for both the company (since they know that their applicant has done his/her homework) and you (since you are knowledgeable about the nitty gritty details of their company) if you start your letter with the proper salutations. In addition to that, you wouldn’t want your resume to end up in trash, do you?

Photo taken from http://www.cartoonstock.com

Tips for a Successful Job Hunting

Job hunting takes a lot of effort. While there are many people who get a job easily, there are those who find it difficult to land a job. Some even struggle just to have one and take a long time to complete the employment process, and sometimes even get no results at all.

Here are some tips to help you ensure success in job hunting:
1. Search. Look for job sites that do not only promise but deliver jobs.
2. Research. Know the background of the company you wish to work for. You know you don�t want to waste time and energy over some unidentified company.
3. Prepare. This means all the basics when looking for the job such as resume, cover letter, interviewing skills and a positive attitude.

Happy job hunting!

What is Personal Branding?

Who doesn�t want a job? Every person needs a job to build a career and eventually, a future. To get a particular job, you have to stand out from the rest of job seekers targeting it. You have to make a lasting impression to your prospective employers. This lasting impression is called personal branding.

Personal branding refers to the image you project. It covers your beliefs, values, talents, experiences and vision. It defines who you are. It can be powerful or weak. Just like a product that is subjected to competition, you need to distinguish yourself from others.

You should develop your personal branding and use it in getting the job you want. You can utilize your personal brand in your resume, cover letter, thank you letter, especially during the interview. Let your personal branding start shining in answering the basic question, �Tell me about yourself.�

Interview Questions for Job Seekers

After you have responded intelligently to questions threw by the hiring manager during a job interview, a job seeker is generally given the opportunity to ask questions. These questions should never be just about anything. A job seeker must have relevant questions in mind.

You can ask questions about:
-the expectations of the company from a new employee
-the issues and concerns affecting the company today
-the company�s goals
-the company�s code of ethics
-the company�s working relationship with its employees

Questions from the interviewee are what create a positive or negative impression of you in the eyes of the hiring manager. Remember to ask smart and relevant questions that could help you secure the job.