SavvySugar

10 Easy-to-Fix Cover Letter Mistakes

SavvySugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:00:42 -0800

I have yet to meet a job hunter who doesn't dread writing cover letters. They're time-consuming and tedious, and unfortunately, they're unavoidable. It's easy to break cover letter etiquette if you're not careful. Those errors can cost you the job, so check out some common mistakes to be sure you're playing by the most important rules.

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10 Ways to Improve Your Resume Right Now

SavvySugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:30:16 -0800

Your resume might be a single piece of paper, but that document is an extension of you. It's one of the first ways employers evaluate your potential to fill an open position, so even if you're confident in your interview abilities, you won't get an invitation to show them off unless your resume is compelling. Think you've done everything you can to create a solid resume? Discover some things you might be missing by reviewing these ways to improve your resume.

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How-To: Explain Why You Were Laid-Off

SavvySugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:30:00 -0800

You're probably sick of talking about why you were laid-off and how your job search is going, and unfortunately those questions will keep coming until you've found a new job. Potential employers will certainly want to know the reasons behind your unemployment, meaning you'll have to discuss what happened during a situation in which you're already vulnerable. Learn how to handle the sensitive interview question so that you're not left stuttering through an answer.

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Grind Tip: Catch Up on Tracking Your Accomplishments

SavvySugar — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 04:30:55 -0800

The majority has spoken, and 87 percent of you plan on looking for new jobs when the economy takes a turn for the better. Be prepared for a stronger job market by taking stock of your accomplishments now.

Keeping an up-to-date resume is the best way to stay on your toes during any job market. Besides making sure your resume is current, you should keep detailed notes of specific projects you worked on, your individual contributions, instances when your problem-solving, leadership, or intuitive skills shined, etc. Your resume will quantify your accomplishments, but you'll need to discuss them in detail with a potential employer and this exercise will save you from having to rely on distant office memories.

What's Your Nervous Interview Tic?

SavvySugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:00:03 -0800

Whether it’s your first or your 50th, job interviews are nerve-wracking experiences. And no matter how conscious you are of not letting that nervousness show, sometimes there’s nothing you can do about it.

Several friends have told me they have nervous tics that only come out in interviews: one friend’s nose starts to run uncontrollably, another becomes compulsive about pushing her hair away from her face, a third laughs at inappropriate times. Personally, I pick at my fingernails when I’m anxious during an interview.

Do you experience this phenomenon? What’s your nervous interview tic?

Source: Flickr Users carolyn.will and diy.disco

Ask Savvy: How Do I Follow Up on a Job I Want?

SavvySugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:00:31 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I have a question about a job I applied for earlier this month (Oct. 4). I got a reply the following morning because my resume didn't download, and I replied with an apology and another attachment a few hours later. I didn't hear back and wasn't sure what to do.

On Oct. 14 I got an email saying that they still had some part-time positions available if I was still looking for employment, to which I answered, yes, I was available and still interested. I asked for a phone number and if I could call, and offered to come in to discuss details or interview. I ended by saying that I looked forward to meeting with her and thanked her. I haven't gotten a reply since.

I really need a job and this one is in my hometown. How do I proceed? Should I look up the business phone number, call the career center, or follow up with another email? What would I say in an email? I'm not sure what to do - do you have any advice?

Savvy says: Job searching etiquette can be such a guessing game. To see my advice, read more.

You got lucky when the employer reached out and asked for your resume when it didn't work the first time. Many would move on to the next one without blinking. You lucked out again when they followed up with you to see if you had interest in part-time opportunities, and you did the right thing by responding promptly. The two week gap after they reached out to you makes me think things have changed on their end, but you'll never know unless you ask.

Because they contacted you via email and you haven't spoken before, use email to get in touch with them now. When you do email your contact, say that you'd been alerted of job opportunities a couple weeks ago and are following up to see if that's still the case. Be friendly, say something kind regarding the company, and keep it short.

If this job doesn't work out in your favor, keep chugging with your job search and learn from your mistakes next time around. Triple check any attachments you send to a hiring manger, making sure they are the proper attachments and they open correctly. Good luck!

Have a question for me? Ask away by posting your questions in my Ask Savvy group.

8 Successful Companies That Are Still Hiring

SavvySugar — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:45:36 -0700

Personal experience and news reports might tell us that nobody is hiring right now, but Fortune says to think again. The magazine recently released its 40 Under 40 - a list of the hottest rising stars in business - and many of them are looking to expand their teams. To see who these entrepreneurs are and what they’re looking for, read more.

3 Places That Give Free Resume Advice

SavvySugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:00:59 -0700

Professional resume services aren't the only places to find help on updating your resume. Objective advice can be had without paying for it, if you know where to look. Take your chances by bringing your resume to one or more of these places recommended by The Wall Street Journal - they're free, so you have nothing to lose.

Library: According to the WSJ, your local library might offer classes on resume basics or one-on-one sessions with a staff member to help with revisions.
Alumni career services: Your alma mater's career center could be a resource for resume advice. Some will interact with you in person, over the phone, or via email.
Government-sponsored job centers: There are more than 3,000 One-Stop Career Centers across the country that give free career advice; find your local center at ServiceLocator.org.

7 Job Hunting Sins to Avoid

SavvySugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:30:39 -0700

Luck has its place in a job search, but it's certainly not everything. Put your searching smarts into action and you'll be on your way to success; just be sure to save yourself from job hunting failure by avoiding these seven no-nos.

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10 Small Mistakes That May Cost You the Job

SavvySugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 04:00:35 -0700

Yes, we're all human. Yes, we all make mistakes. But your job search isn't the time to make them. Your attention to detail is crucial during a job hunt - even with a killer cover letter and résumé, mistakes that you may consider minor may just cost you the job. Keep these ten job hunting errors in mind for a better chance at getting that job offer.

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