Torpedo Speak

How to Have Success in Job Searching

By Lamar Dean

Article published by Mark Schlarbaum

Job searching is not high on the list of pleasurable activities, but everyone has to do it. The undertaking of finding a job requires learning certain job-search skills and fine-tuning them to a high level.

First, you start with the all-important self-assessment:
a. What type of job are you looking for?
b. What do you have to offer the company?
Unless you know, you might not get what you want.

You also need to know the fundamentals of searching and acquiring the job you want. You will need to start planning, organizing, and researching the most effective methods to look for employment.

Since many jobs aren’t publicized, one of the most important roles of job hunting is networking. Networking brings you in contact with people who refer you to other people. Once you know where you would like to apply for a job, you’ll need a well-written, sharp-looking resume. You will need to know how to put together a resume that conveys your strengths convincingly.

These days, even the best paper resume isn’t sufficient enough. You need a resume that can be scanned into a database, and even that isn’t enough. You may also need to submit your resume by e-mail to on-line databases, news-groups, and directly to companies.

Many people seeking a job mistakenly consider a cover letter simply another piece of paper that accompanies a resume, when in fact a well scripted cover letter is essential in turning out a short yet attention-grabbing letter.

Since job hunting is time consuming, knowing where to look drastically reduces the searching. Expand your options and save time with Internet and CD-Rom job searches. Employment agencies are also a venue you may want to try. You can find information about these under executive recruiters, temporary agencies, and permanent placement agencies.

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Working From Home - Preparing For the Job Interview

By Tina Lynn

We all go through the common nervousness associated with a job interview but an interview for a telecommuting job, holds to a higher plane and needs as much preparation it can afford. With that being said, you can’t predict what questions the interviewer will ask, but you can be prepared. Here are a few tips:

Be ready.

This may seem standard; however, if it’s important to make sure when the interviewer calls, you’re prompt, and your background is quiet. Make sure that you don’t speak too softly or too fast as the interviewer will probably be taking down notes. Also, be prepared to cover job descriptions from your resume and be sure to note how the experience relates to the position
you are applying for.

Be confident in answering questions.

You’ll be asked questions like “Why do you want to work from home?” “Why do you feel you are qualified for the position?” Examples of instances from past jobs relating to customer interactions and responses. For each of your answers, be professional. Do not mention the need for a job, wanting to work home to be closer to family, or anything that does not involve your position. You want the interviewer to control the call, while being completely focused on your skills. The attitude you want to convey throughout the call, is the fact that you can get the job done and do it better than anyone else. If that type of confidence is not heard within your voice, there’s a chance you’ve let a great career slip through the cracks. Don’t let this happen.

Make sure to ask the interviewer questions.

Having prior knowledge of the job and company is key to impressing the interviewer. Make them aware that you know your stuff and ask questions related to your position using your knowledge. For example, if you read in a press release that ABC Company just released their work home program in Jan of 08, you can use this information as a base to form your questions. Your question can go something like, “I was reading in a press release about the work home program implemented in Jan of 08. I’m curious to find out about the time frame for advancement while working from home.” This lets the interviewer know that you understand the job, and the company; while hinting your interest staying within the company long-term.

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Steps to Take After You’ve Been Downsized

By K. Lively

Article brought to you by Janet Schlarbaum

It’s a situation nobody wants to believe will happen to them, but in a turbulent economy one must always remain vigilant with regards to employment. It’s not impossible for a company, thriving in times past, to suddenly nosedive and experience financial hardship. As companies work to stay afloat, cuts in the budget must be made, and sometimes that unfortunately includes easing the burden on payroll.

So what should you do in the event you are let go from your company? First thing to remember: keep a clear head. Some may tend to panic or stress over the future - paying bills and rent or mortgage, and the basic expenses - but as you are just receiving this news it is better to think calmly and rationally before you act.

Depending on the size of your company, you will likely receive some counsel from Human Resources, along with information on your severance package - if you receive one. Know what your rights are with regards to severance, and find out how much you will receive and how long the company will continue keeping you on their insurance plan before you are cut. If your workplace has been paying into a 401K for you, assuredly that will come to and end, and you will need to know your options with regards to rolling it over into an IRA or cashing out. Because tax penalties could be involved in the decision you make, listen to what the HR manager advises as your best move.

It is strongly recommended, once you have left work for good, to file for unemployment insurance. This is another thing to discuss with Human Resources, as there may be restrictions to applying for such benefits as you receive severance. Usually, however, a company will not interfere with any claims, but it’s best to make certain. Because it could take several days, even weeks, to process an application, you will want to contact your state’s employment commission offices the day you know you are eligible.

Research your rights and expectations when you sign on for unemployment. State laws will vary, but on average a downsized worker could receive benefits for as long as six months, provided he meets the requirements to receive them and is actively looking for work.

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