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Job hunt

State's jobless rate lets employers ask more from potential hires November 18, 2009

By Drew DeSilver Seattle Times business reporter DEAN RUTZ / THE SEATTLE TIMES Skilled workers Jana Rekosh, right, and Tracy Lorelli are having trouble finding full-time jobs. Finding a job in Washington isn't getting harder, at least according to...

You've got the job and given notice: Can the new company withdraw the offer? November 15, 2009

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Q: This happened to a friend of mine recently. The company made her an offer, and she accepted and gave notice to her old company. The day before she was supposed to report for...

If networking is the way to find jobs, why do so many still pursue impersonal ads? October 25, 2009

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Q: Today the Internet is a very popular way to apply for work. Job boards and other kinds of online employment listings are easy to use. Some people still do it the old-fashioned way,...

Older and unemployed: Despite the recession, job seekers over 50 can beat the odds October 11, 2009

It can be scary to change careers later in life, but folks 50 and older can arm themselves with search strategies and resources designed specifically for them.

On the road to success: Program equips women with professional attire and more October 4, 2009

Job hunting can cause plenty of stress even under the best of circumstances. For those who can't afford an interview outfit, it can be particularly harrowing. Dress for Success Seattle aims to help such women work toward self-sufficiency.

Hired help for job seekers: What you need to know before you call in a pro September 20, 2009

Given the competition, most people looking for work are also looking for an edge. A resume writer, job coach or other career-services professional could improve your chances.

Nail the interview: Preparation will help you ace common questions September 6, 2009

Knowing how you might come across to a prospective employer could mean the difference between advancing to the next round or losing out to someone who's better prepared.

What do you mean, 'we'? Wife needs to stop interfering with husband's job search September 6, 2009

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Q: My husband, a manager, would like to find a new job. We were downsized. We worked with some headhunters who got us nowhere. I sent off an e-mail to one employer saying that...

Dialing for dollars? Do your due diligence on headhunters who contact you by phone September 6, 2009

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist A headhunter calls with a job he claims is just right for you. You have no idea whether he is for real. How can you qualify a headhunter quickly on the phone?(survey software) Q:...

New rules: Get a leg up over job seekers who still play the old way August 30, 2009

If it has been several years since you’ve ventured into the job market, you should make some key changes to your game plan.

Washington state is home to a host of health care education and training resources August 27, 2009

Across Washington state and throughout the Puget Sound region, nurses are clearly in high demand. But so are the specially trained support staff, technicians and clinical specialists whose health care skills meet the needs of a growing population. An associate’s...

Too good to be true: Job scams promise big bucks but deliver only dead ends August 9, 2009

With unemployment at a 25-year high, job seekers can be tempted to respond to pitches promising quick cash. But scams are one industry that is still thriving in today's economy.

'Executive career management' firms may be most interested in managing your cash August 9, 2009

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist An "executive career management" firm calls and guarantees to get you a job. It sounds like a great deal, though the $9,000 fee seems steep. What should you do?(surveys) Q: You know what career...

I'm the top candidate for the job -- so how many more references do they need? July 31, 2009

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Q: I'm working through a headhunter on a position, and I'm the top candidate so far. He spoke to references from my last two employers, and all the references came back good. Now the...

Should you apply for multiple jobs in a company? Better to focus on the right one July 17, 2009

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Q: I am interested in unrelated positions within a company. I'm not sure whether to apply for each separately, or to submit a resume and explain in a cover letter that I am interested...

Standing out: Job seekers need to show what they can do for a company July 10, 2009

In tough economic conditions, finding work can get downright frustrating. Candidates need to show employers that they have not only the skills and experience for the job, but also ideas.

Seeking work across the country? Do some recon and be prepared to absorb the costs July 10, 2009

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Companies are not flying people long distances for interviews in this economy. You want to work across the country. How do you apply for jobs from so far away?(polling) Q: Companies are not flying...

Open your eyes to the outright risks of responding to blind employment ads July 2, 2009

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist 0(polling) Q: Why do some companies use blind ads, where the hiring company's name is not listed and it invites you to reply to an unknown "address"? Are those real jobs, or are they...

Quality beats quantity in dealings with headhunters and employment agencies June 26, 2009

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist When starting a job search, how many headhunters is it best to put to work on your behalf?(polls) Q: When starting a job search, how many headhunters is it best to put to work...

Switching careers: A four-step plan for going after your dream job June 26, 2009

As layoffs across the country rattle Americans’ sense of job security, some are taking it as incentive to go after their dream careers.

Search functions: Preparation, presentation are keys to succeeding at a job fair June 19, 2009

Knowing how best to prepare to meet dozens of recruiters — who will talk to thousands of people in several hours — is difficult. Plan your strategy to get the most out of hiring events.

Ask the Headhunter Q&A: Finding a good job in a challenging economy June 12, 2009

On June 8, 2009, job-search expert and Ask the Headhunter columnist Nick Corcodilos answered your questions about finding a good job in a challenging economy. Read the discussion below to learn how you can stand out in a crowded...

Many resources, one WorkSource: Local organization links employees with employers May 22, 2009

Since its inception in 1995, the umbrella organization WorkSource has helped thousands of King County residents navigate the shoals of unemployment.

After a job loss, use your personal network for leads and moral support May 15, 2009

Job hunts are stretching even longer for the growing number of unemployed. Try not to be ashamed of losing a position, urges Jamaica Eilbes, a recruiter for staffing company Manpower Inc. “Everybody knows somebody who’s been let go,” she said....

Still hiring: Amid the economic wreckage, some sectors are moving forward May 15, 2009

Despite the widespread downturn, industries including health care, information technology and education are poised to weather the storm and are looking for employees.

Getting started: Recruiters, employment agencies give boost to many job seekers May 8, 2009

With Washington state unemployment rates at a near-record high, it's no wonder recruiters are inundated by job searchers these days.

Summertime blues: Teens face chilly hiring climate in seasonal job hunt May 1, 2009

The tight economy and upswing in unemployment mean there are more job seekers and fewer jobs. Teens short on experience are going to have to work even harder to secure a position amid tough competition.

Posting your job loss online lets you share the pain -- and may lead to a new gig May 1, 2009

By Etan Horowitz The Orlando Sentinel ORLANDO, Fla. — Just minutes after she was laid off from her job in early April, Brittany Ward pulled out her cellphone and typed a short message. "Needs a job." Ward, a 23-year-old...

With other potential suitors in the wings, how long can you consider a job offer? April 17, 2009

polls - Take Our Poll Q: A company makes you a pretty good job offer. They want a decision as soon as possible. What if you have other interviews scheduled within days after receiving the offer? What's an acceptable...

Stay-at-homes now work to find jobs April 17, 2009

By Kirsten Valle McClatchy Newspapers YALONDA M. JAMES/CHARLOTTE (N.C.) OBSERVER Timisha Daniels, 25, plays with her 10-month-old son, Cassidy. Daniels, who quit her job before giving birth, is now job hunting. Her husband was recently laid off. CHARLOTTE, N.C....

Should you send a cover letter? Definitely maybe, say hiring professionals April 10, 2009

By Diane Stafford McClatchy Newspapers Don't you wish there was The Rule for job applications? Unfortunately, there isn't. Take cover letters. Should you write one? What should it say? How should you send it? I asked several human-resources professionals...

Finding a mix of short-term gigs online is a way to make ends meet April 3, 2009

At a time when many Americans are having trouble landing one job, some intrepid folks are logging on to create a patchwork of short-term opportunities.

Take advantage of the inside track to unearth coveted summer internships March 27, 2009

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Q: I'm a first-year graduate student, and I want to get a leg up on summer internship opportunities, preferably in a small technology company. These positions aren't typically advertised, so I am researching companies....

Jobless? Web site founder has your back -- and some lighthearted encouragement March 27, 2009

By Mary Meehan Lexington Herald-Leader LEXINGTON, Ky. — After endlessly trolling through career Web sites such as Monster.com and never connecting with a human, Charlene Helm snapped. "Every day was a constant battle," said Helm, a May 2008 graduate...

Job boards, headhunters, the personal touch: How did you win your gig? March 13, 2009

polls - Take Our Poll Q: Nowadays, people use multiple methods to search for a job. Some methods are automated, some involve more of the personal touch, while others involve professional assistance. How did you win your current job?...

Scammers touting bogus job opportunities are one industry that continues to thrive March 13, 2009

As the number of unemployed Americans rises, so does the prevalence of unscrupulous and fraudulent companies preying upon them in their struggle to find work.

Long on experience but short on availability -- how do I find a half-time job? March 6, 2009

polls - Take Our Poll Q: I have family responsibilities that preclude full-time employment. How do I find a half-time job? I have 20 years of marketing experience. Nick's reply: If you give up because the economy is bad,...

Should I pay a professional to help me find work, or is career marketing a racket? March 6, 2009

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Q: Out of work for a year, I'm now considering hiring help, but it's very expensive ($4,000 to $10,000). I'd appreciate your clarification of the services offered by outplacement, career counseling and career marketing...

Disclosing your salary history puts you behind before negotiations begin February 27, 2009

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Q: You advise that job candidates should not divulge their salary history to an employer. I'm a recruiter, and I think that's the worst advice you could give a prospective candidate. When it's time...

Out of work? Ready to freelance? Make a plan before you take the plunge February 20, 2009

By Kelsey Hubbard MarketWatch NEW YORK — With layoffs rising and job opportunities scarce, more people are turning to freelance work as a temporary option to make ends meet or as a springboard to a new career. And while...

You got the interview: Now what's the right way to use a follow-up letter? February 6, 2009

surveys - Take Our Poll Q: Many job candidates send a letter to an employer after they are interviewed. It reconfirms their interest in the job and, if written well, helps keep them toward the top of the list....

Overqualified applicants flood the job market, fighting for posts they once managed February 6, 2009

The ranks of the unemployed swell with candidates possessing solid experience and education. Many have resorted to looking far below their previous pay scale as their job search continues.

Employerrap.com gives job hunters the inside story on potential workplaces February 6, 2009

By TAMMY JOYNER Cox Newspapers ATLANTA — It's a familiar scenario relived over and over when you're trying to get a job. You endure the dog-and-pony show — interviews, meeting with managers, talking to a few carefully chosen workers...

Prying eyes: Play it safe with your online profile February 2, 2009

Candice Choi The Associated Press Social-networking sites | Personal information, photos can turn into accidental résumé if seen by recruiters, employers NEW YORK — Someone is trying to sabotage your career. It's your online persona. With smaller budgets and...

How can I avoid taking employment tests? February 2, 2009

Employers sometimes ask you to take a test to see if you have the skills necessary for a job. When asked to take a test, how should you respond? ( polls) Q: Employers sometimes ask you to take a...

Laid off and job hunting? The pink slip shouldn't make you feel un-pretty January 23, 2009

By Cody Ellerd Special to NWjobs.com It's not as bad as being fired, but being laid off can still pack a heavy ego blow, leaving many among the pink-slipped masses wondering, why me? Getting past the perceived stigma of...

What are the drawbacks of using a headhunter? January 16, 2009

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Q:You suggest that a person can find a job just as well as a headhunter can. Maybe, but I think a headhunter can save you a lot of time and trouble. So what are...

This year, resolve to help your career January 2, 2009

By Ingrid Stegemoeller Tri-City Herald It's that time of year again when we all resolve to lose 5 pounds, eat more leafy greens and keep a better budget. If your resolution for 2009 is to find a new job...

Job seekers, don't take December off, experts advise December 22, 2008

By Diane Stafford McClatchy Newspapers Do not put your job search on hold over the holidays. Yes, the job market is stinky for some people right now, and a quick turnaround isn't likely. But there are two reasons job...

Learn how to pitch yourself in less than one minute December 22, 2008

By Barbara Rose Chicago Tribune Quick: Tell me who you are and what you do in less than a minute. What experiences do you bring to your work and how do you do your job better or differently than...

Words to guide you if you lose your job December 12, 2008

By Lily Garcia Special to The Washington Post Readers have asked me to recommend books for people who are struggling with losing a job and finding new work. I consulted Laura Kasper, a Washington psychologist who works with clients...

Facing hiring freezes? Reinvent your career December 12, 2008

By Daneen Skube / Syndicated Columnist Q: I'm looking for a job in my field but am getting nowhere. Companies in my industry all have hiring freezes. I know the reason I can't get a job is the economy....

Revolving door for job seekers December 12, 2008

As the economy worsens, repeat layoffs are a rising trend, stretching already challenging job searches into a long haul. Job placement agencies are seeing a frustrating uptick in repeat business.

Tailor résumés to catch the eye December 5, 2008

The right resume is no longer just about high-quality paper. Today’s job hunters need to know how to employ keywords, tailor their c.v. for each targeted job, and present a mid-career change of professions.

Experts share tips for job-hunt success November 28, 2008

Pharmacists remain in short supply across the country. Competition among retail outlets and health care facilities is fierce, and the pay is high, but demand still outstrips new recruits to the field, as an aging population in need of their services increases.

Why did you reject that last job offer? November 14, 2008

polls - Take Our Poll Q: In my experience, a key reason people change jobs is because they took the wrong job to begin with. Rejecting the wrong jobs is all the more important in a difficult economy, because...

Are you exploiting workers? November 14, 2008

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Q: You advise people to do extensive research and preparation before picking a company to apply to. Then you tell them to prepare a "business plan" about how they'd do the job and to...

Even in a tough market, you still need to pick the right job October 17, 2008

By Marshall Loeb MarketWatch NEW YORK — The job market has seen better days. And if you're in the middle of a job search, chances are it is taking longer than you'd like. While this can be frustrating, it's...

How I've used your job search methods successfully October 10, 2008

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Q: OK, I've been following your steps and I've picked 10 companies (not job openings), and I'm researching my way into my next job. I got a copy of an industry magazine as you...

Does confidentiality prevent showing samples of work? August 29, 2008

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Q: Some employers like to see proof of a candidate's ability, and they ask for samples of work such as reports, designs or analyses. However, such work could be subject to non-disclosure rules, especially...

How do I decide between two offers? August 22, 2008

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Q: I have two job offers, both in the same dollar range. Believe me, in today's economy, I know how lucky I am! I'm not sure which factors to weigh or what will be...

Do I have to say 'I want this job'? August 8, 2008

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Q: I am speaking both as a frustrated hiring manager and as a job hunter. I've always said to the potential employer, "I want this job. It sounds interesting and challenging." The key phrase...

Real work-at-home jobs not easy-money schemes August 1, 2008

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Q: I recently attended a training class and overheard people discussing how work-at-home jobs have become common. One was talking about using a computer to make money, but none could tell me how to...

Amid scams, some do find work at home July 21, 2008

With gas prices and joblessness on the rise, more people are looking seriously at working from home. Also multiplying are the online scam artists who seek to profit from this trend.

How to get the hiring manager's attention July 14, 2008

How do I get the hiring manager's attention? I know that a local company has new positions in the works, but I can't get anyone to talk to me. Is my only alternative to send a resume and hope it is seen by the district manager?

Negotiating vacation perks: Don't be afraid to ask July 7, 2008

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Q: How can I negotiate vacation time when I get a job offer? One thing that has kept me from seeking other employment is that I don't want to lose the four weeks of...

Hiring is a manager’s key responsibility July 3, 2008

You're a manager and you've identified 10 possible candidates for a position in your department. It's time to interview them. What should you do next?

Do your research to find good small companies June 30, 2008

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Q: How do I find good small companies to work for? Much of my career has been spent in Fortune 500 companies in several big cities. Now it's time to make a change, but...

Getting references from your current employer can be risky June 23, 2008

Your current boss and buddies at work might be your best references, but if you let them know you're interviewing elsewhere, that could jeopardize your current job.

Ask the Headhunter: Why can't I keep a good job? June 2, 2008

Q: I'm a dedicated, loyal employee, and I would do anything for my employer. Why, then, do I lose my job every few years and have a hard time landing a new one? Nick's reply: Your question is impossible...

Ask the Headhunter: Use your own head instead of a headhunter's May 27, 2008

Q: I realize that headhunters work for the employer, but my past experience has been that a good one will pick up an individual with good...

Ask the Headhunter: Key steps to finding job — and they take work May 19, 2008

Q: I have 10 years of experience, but I'm confused about what it takes to get a good job nowadays. Companies seem to be incredibly picky...

How to hunt for jobs when you've been out of work too long May 3, 2008

David K. Marshall was laid off in October for the second time in two years. The 61-year-old credit manager fears the worsening economy will leave him jobless longer than his last six-month bout.

Ask the Headhunter: How do I identify the manager who would hire me? May 2, 2008

You have said that the key to a successful job search is to contact the person you would work for within an organization and to show how you can help out. How can I find the manager who has the problems I'll be able to solve?

Looking for a new job? Try to keep it quiet September 21, 2007

Two days after posting his résumé on a major job board, Jason Keith was called into his manager's office for a talk. His boss had found...

Networking to find a job December 4, 2005

A few years ago, Kathy met Henry in a social setting. At the time, Henry had a small business that sounded relatively intriguing to Kathy. Out of habit, Kathy made a point of getting Henry's contact information at the end of the evening even though she was content in her job.

What to DO when you are over qualified September 11, 2003

Seems I continually hear this complaint... "They aren't hiring me because I'm overqualified." One man wrote this email to me concerned about just this problem. He said: "I have a lot of incredible extracurricular professional activities, publishing experience, project management experience, board leadership, etc.

Lost your job? Be sure to file for unemployment September 4, 2003

Many people are at a loss about what to do first when they lose a job. You know you'll need to start looking, but many skip over the thing that can make the process less painful: obtaining unemployment benefits. It helps defeat the desperation that unemployment creates and allows you to maintain a "you-can-do-it" attitude and spirit.

Laid-off men are shaping up and landing new jobs July 31, 2003

When the first career counseling client told me he had been on the Atkins diet since he lost his job, I thought it was a good move since he was over 50 and seriously needed to take off pounds. I didn't pay it much mind until a few weeks later when another executive, who'd just become a client, mentioned that he was doing the same thing.

Your attitude affects your success July 17, 2003

Okay, admit it. You hate job-hunting. Lots and lots of people feel that way. In fact, I think I'm a lone soldier because I actually like job hunting. Too often discouraged job hunters project their gloomy, depressed attitude to those around them.

Taking the summer off from job hunting is a BIG mistake June 26, 2003

Mary, a former Boeing worker who attended a recent seminar I taught, said, "So many other laid-off folks are taking the summer off. They are getting unemployment so they can coast by and I think I'm going to do that too."

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