5 Ways to Conquer Unemployment as a New Grad

5 Ways to Conquer Unemployment as a New Grad5 Ways to Conquer Unemployment as a New GradYou aced your finals, picked up your graduation robe and scheduled that celebratory family dinner. Everything has fallen into place for graduation day except that all-encompassing search for a job. Youve tapped your network, sent hundreds of applications and even invested in your first corporate wardrobe, but your inbox sits quietly, daring you to get your hopes up.Youre graduating without a job offer, and you dont know what to do next.Heres one way to look at it you have been given the gift of time. Until your savings runs out, you have been given the opportunity to explore the real-life applications of your degree and education and figure out which career path is right for you. If you get started right away you might even find yourself embarking on a new adventure that turns into a job by surprise. Heres a look at five productive ways to invest your newfound time into finding and building a long -term career.1.Keep looking for a jobTaking time to invest in your career doesnt mean youre not looking for a job anymore. Set aside time each week to ask for feedback on your resume and cover letter. Identify industry blogs and websites you can read to stay up to date on what is happening in your field. Set up a Simply Hired job email alert so that you are always aware of the latest opportunities in your field. You can also set up alerts for industry-specific news and job websites using a recipe on IFTTT.2.Dont immediately jump into grad schoolThere are plenty of good reasons to go to grad school. However, postponing the real world isnt one of them. The brde thing you need to do after graduating is take on more student loans out of fear of not having a job. Not having a job offer isnt the universes way of telling you to get a new degree. Its an opportunity to try out different ideas and investigate the right opportunity for you.3.Schedule networking opportunitiesIt may be tempting to invest this time power-streaming your favorite show on Netflix, but avoiding human contact is the worst possible way to approach this jobless time. Instead, meet and form relationships with as many people as possible. Tackle formal opportunities with local networking chapters. (MeetUp can be particularly helpful, but watch out for multilevel marketing schemes.) Further establish relationships with your personal network of friends, family and fellow graduates. Get your name and face in front of as many contacts as possible, and then follow up on LinkedIn to cast your career net wide.4. Start an online business or blogThe web is an amazing tool that you can use to develop an income. Research your field and brainstorm different ways that you can make an income, even if you only start with a few hundred dollars at a time. This may take the form of active freelancing in which you practice a particular craft such as freelance writing, or it may take the form of passive ecommerce or pro duct development. If you have time and a computer, the skys the limit. If you dont enjoy the work you do, you will at least be learning valuable skills that you can add to your resume, such as digital marketing, copywriting, graphic design, social media marketing and website design.5. Shadow someone in your dream jobAsk any successful person. The reality of your dream job is often far different from what you imagine when you first graduate with a degree. Reach out to someone established in your field and ask to shadow them for a day or a few hours. You dont necessarily need to have a personal relationship with them first. Reach out by email and respectfully explain your situation. Be authentic and complimentary and provide an easy out if the person is very busy or not interested. There is no harm in asking, and you may build a valuable relationship along the way.No job? No problem. Make the most of your time after graduation by exploring your options for networking, building an inco me and further researching the right career for you. You may find yourself hot on the trail of an even better opportunity.

100 Words to Get You Hired

100 Words to Get You Hired100 Words to Get You HiredYou Google stuff all the time, right? Whether its to find the new Italian restaurant in town, get plane tickets, or track down the name of that song you used to sing out loud on the way to the tailgate, youre always searching in that little Google box.So how do you think recruiters find you on Ladders.com?Well, they type a search into our search box.So if you want to get found, you ought to fill out your profile with mora detail on your background and experience.And to help you do just that, Im going to give you a little unfair advantage Im going to share with you the 100 most popular searches by recruiters on Ladders.com. These are the words that recruiters are typing into our search box thousands upon thousands of times each week, as theyre looking for you.Are you helping them find you? Have you incorporated words like these into your profile and resume?JavaSalesManufacturingConstructionCPAHealthcareHadoopOracleSAP.NETRetailSqliOS AgilePythonSalesforceSaasFinanceActimizeCloudAndroidDevopsTeradataSoftwarePHPAccountingCiscoC++AzureAutomotiveInsurancePharmaceuticalSpanishWorkdayWMSMedicalAerospaceSharepointAngularDeveloperPMPCBankPharmaMarketingElectricalHVACInformaticaEngineerLinuxSecurityInfrastructureMedical DeviceArchitectCognosCPAHospitalQlikViewSASITWmosETLOBIEEUISeleniumCall CenterPerlChemicalsPl/SqlBankingFinancialTableauOutside SalesJavascriptB2BStaffingTechnologyJava DeveloperMortgageSOAFoodAngularJSHuman ResourcesManhattanPackagingHybrisMigrationSQLRNSDLCJava and J2EEPowershellSCCMITILSupply ChainBig DataProject ManagerSybaseCRMGood luck with being found, and enjoy the end of summer, ReadersIm rooting for you.

How to Respond When You Get Laid Off or Fired - The Muse

How to Respond When You Get Laid Off or Fired - The MuseHow to Respond When You Get Laid Off or Fired One of the most shocking conversations you will ever have in your job is when your boss tells you that youre done working for the company. Maybe its a layoff that completely blindsides you. Maybe its a performance-related issue that you were aware of. No matter the cause, the actual event can be a total shocker. While getting fired and getting laid off may involve different things, its important to handle the situation professionally either way. And one way to do that is to prepare for it before it happens. So if youre concerned at all about losing your job in the near future, this is well worth a read.Because as challenging as it may be to stay focused and present in the conversation, thats your goal. It might be difficult to think of it as such, but this is an important business discussion. Think negotiating your severance or termination package.Here are seven tips on how to handle yourself and what to say when youre at a loss for words.1. Stay Present and Manage Your EmotionsI once heard a colleague rant that she wanted to get laid off in the next round of workforce reductions. She was vocal about how she would welcome the chance to get away from her team, her boss, her job. In the next round, as luck would have it, she got laid off.But she didnt run around and high five everyone declaring her happiness. She freaked out. She yelled. She told everyone how unfair the system was. She loudly declared she was not going to help transition her work to someone else. There was a tacit understanding among the managers that, Yep, we made a good decision on that one.You dont want to be that person.Even if you hate your job and are pining for a layoff notice, a job loss can knock the wind right out of you. The choice to leave is no longer yours someone has made the decision for you, and that can be hard to swallow. Instead of ranting like my former colleague, take a long , slow exhale and ask for a minute to process the news. When you manage your emotions by pausing like this, you help yourself stay calm, and you give yourself a chance to be present for the rest of the inevitable conversation. And by not allowing yourself to react immediately, you preserve your hard-earned reputation.2. Keep Your DignityA former employee was on a last-chance performance agreement. Basically, if he screwed up one more time, hed be fired, and he knew it. Well, it wasnt long before he screwed up. When I delivered the news of his termination, I could binnensee the layers of shock, regret, and remorse on his face. He mightve cried. He promised to change his behavior. He begged me to change the decision. (I didnt.) It was cringe-worthy, and I was embarrassed for him.When managers are preparing for layoffs and termination, the process is well on its way by the time you get the message. The organizations new head count has been calculated, the separation package prepared, a nd workspace charts changed. Begging for your job will almost never change the managers mind. So keep your dignity intact and focus on the rest of your conversation.3. Get Your Stories StraightAsk how the company plans to represent your separation from the company. When you seek your next gig, your employer and you want to be singing the same karaoke lyrics, if you know what I mean.You can help inform this. A simple request will do it I want to be sure that when you reference how I departed the company, it doesnt hurt my chances for my next job. Can we talk a bit about what you will say when others ask? Ask for this in writing, so you have an official document that says you were laid off and not fired. If youve been fired, your employer might agree not to mention the termination and instead simply verify the dates you were employed by the organization. 4. Inquire About Getting Assistance Finding a New RoleMany companies hire consultants to help employees find new gigs. Ask what kind of erleichterung, if any, the organization plans to provide. Determine how long that support will last, and what kind of career coaching youre eligible for. And, again, get it in writing if you can.5. Ask if Youre Allowed to Apply for Other Positions InternallyCompany policy may dictate this. Some places will let you do so right away. Others may impose a waiting period before rehiring or allowing you to freelance for the company in the future. If you were fired for performance-related issues, you probably dont want to ask, and your employer probably hopes you wont. But, if youre being let go because of team restructuring, its worth asking what other opportunities may be available to you. 6. Take Care of YouGet the details on severance, health insurance, when you can expect your final paycheck will arrive, how you will be compensated for unused vacation time, unused sick or personal time, when youll be reimbursed for travel expenses, and how youre expected to get all of your things home. Some offices will offer to ship items to you so that you dont have to deal with the incredibly awkward and uncomfortable packing up your area while your employees work beside you.If you have stock options, bonuses, sales commissions, tuition reimbursements, or other extras attached to your position, ask about those as well. In a layoff, ask if youre going to be expected to help transition the work, what the expectations are, and how long that period will last. And if youre getting terminated, get clear on whether youre expected to leave the building ASAP or if you can take a few hours to clean up your computer and head out at the end of the day.Once youve got a handle on these details, you can step away for a day or two, and test the areas where youd like to negotiate. Perhaps you want more severance, a longer period in transition counseling, or a zurckhalten bonus for doing a super great job transitioning your work. Be prepared to justify any requests and outline a specific p roposal for what youd like to see.7. Dont Sign AnythingYoure going to come up with more questions over time. Let your manager know youll review all the information thats provided. Let her know youll revert with any questions or clarification you need.Until all the details are hashed out, dont sign anything. Most employers want you to sign a general release that says youll bring no legal action against them. Your final payouts are contingent upon you signing the documents. If there was ever a good time to have an attorney read over a document before you sign it, this is itUnexpected moments like layoffs or terminations can feel like a devastating personal attack. And theres no doubt, they can be difficult to process. When youre able to step back, and ask for what you need, however, youll find a small sense of empowerment that might surprise you. No matter how hard the news is, stay cool, be a pro, and start thinking about your next move. And remember to take a couple of days before y ou hastily (and dramatically) post a major update on your social media channels.Photo of man stressed courtesy of Thomas Barwick/Getty Images.

Free Creative General Manager Resume Template

Free Creative General Manager Resume Template Free Creative General Manager Resume Template If you are serious about getting the job you want, youll put significant time and effort into creating just the right resume. In addition to substantive information, tone is an important factor in catching the attention of potential employers. Hiring managers gauge the personality projected by your resume style to assess whether you seem as if you would fit well with the company culture. If you are aiming for a position with an innovative, forward-thinking company, make your resume stand out by highlighting your creativity. Check out the following creative general manager resume template and tips to get started with drafting your own.Create ResumeCustomize ResumeWhat to Include in a Creative General Manager ResumeTo impress hiring managers, you want your resume to highlight your qualifications and your ability to innovate and come up with alternative pathways to success. At creative, thriving companies, prized qualities include the ability to think on your feet, motivate others and a pproach your tasks with enthusiasm and loads of energy. Be sure to point out your creativity and willingness to go the extra mile. Research the companys primary demographic and demonstrate your ability to understand and relate to it.Common Resume Fails: Mistakes to AvoidOne-Size-Fits-All: This approach will not work when it comes to submitting your resume. A better strategy is to create a unique resume tailored to highlight the ways in which you can meet the companys specific needs.Misrepresentation: Honesty is the best policy when it comes to presenting your qualifications. Instead of exaggerating your credentials, explain how the ones you actually have make you a great candidate for the position.Confusing Layout: Use spacing, bulleted lists and chronology to make sure that important information catches employers eyes right away.Omitting Important Information: You should always include your education, relevant experience and skills. Remember, the information you present is all your potential employer has to go on when deciding whether to call you for an interview.Mistakes and Typos: Spelling and grammar errors instantly detract from the impression you set out to make. Make sure to review your resume carefully, remembering that spell-checking programs will not always catch common errors.Negative Phrasing: Your resume is not the setting to practice self-deprecation. Instead of apologizing for what you view as your deficiencies, promote the skills and qualities that you will bring to your position.Resume Content Jane Doe 387 Elm Street, Oceanview, MA 11111 555.789.3984 Janedoe3@anymail.com Summary Creative, confident general manager takes pride in coming up with innovative solutions. Achieved business growth by reaching out and attracting new target demographics. Capable, keeps cool head in a crisis, approaches challenges with enthusiasm. Committed to ensuring that services and products are the best our clients could ask for. Looking for a general manager posit ion with a growing industry innovator. Highlights Quick grasp of new concepts and situationsAbility to understand the big picture Impressive attention to detailSuperior communication skillsCreative problem solverFresh, individual approach to project managementMeets and exceeds business goalsEnthusiastic and energeticExperience General Manager 9/1/2012 Current Arrow Co. Oceanview, MA Restructure business departments for optimum performanceDesign and implement target demographic expansionManage marketing initiativesCoordinate departmental cooperationNegotiate supplier contractsEncourage energetic and productive workplace atmosphere Sales Manager 8/1/2008 8/1/2012 Arrow Co. Oceanview, MA Motivated sales team to meet goalsCreated innovative sales strategyAnalyzed sales demographics to develop optimal approachGave constructive feedback to sales team members Assistant Manager 2/1/2003 7/1/2008 Provided support to department managerContributed ideas and enthusiasm to inspire business growthResolved client issues and concernsWorked with team members to achieve goalsEducation Bachelor of Science in Business AdministrationPleasantville U

Top 4 Degrees to Consider for a Double Major

Top 4 Degrees to Consider for a Double Major Top 4 Degrees to Consider for a Double Major Engineering isnt exactly the easiest of majors. However, when you specialize, theres always a question of what else you can handle. You want to handle the business side: Why should an engineering company believe you can? Youre interested in bioengineering: What do you know about biology? The answer to these kinds of questions could be a double major. Lets look at the top subjects to consider for this bold move. Business When an engineer is hired early in his or her career, they are generally in more technical positions. If they want to work their way up, a business background can be crucial. Theyre not just looking for your inventiveness, but whether you can see the bottom line, says Dr. Robert Amundsen, an associate professor and chair of the energy management graduate program at the NYIT School of Engineering and Computing Sciences. Can you explain to them why your product or idea will make them money? Can you bring the statistics to your presentation? Its also about being familiar with the terminology of business and these kinds of classes can get you to that point. You may also want to run your own business someday. Many a genius went bankrupt from only seeing a vision and not a profit and loss statement. English/Communications One of the biggest criticisms of engineers is communication. In the e-mail era, you cant avoid writing, anymore than you can avoid a phone call. You need to be able to express your ideas in a way that other people can understand, Amundsen says. You cant get a team to move forward if youre the only person who knows what youre talking about. Use these courses as an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and improve a weakness. Better to learn from the criticism of a professor than have the consequences felt when out in the real world. Geology This major can literally be like striking oil. There are so many opportunities in this field and any leg up makes you potentially very marketable, Amundsen says. To have a chance to be years ahead in knowledge, whether its applied to working for the oil industry or an environmental organization, this major lends itself to engineering. Biology As a discipline with so many applicationsnature, anatomy and beyondthis can be your in to an unlimited world of breakthroughs for the benefit of humankind. In addition, biotechnology is also a field offering high-paying positions and cutting-edge research. Hey, Whats a Summer? When you consider how much time is spent on a four-year degree, summer courses may be the largest trade you have to make for this extra major, Amundsen says. The good news is engineering is one of the most attractive fields around. The great news may be how attractive you are with two degrees on a resume. The key is to not overwhelm yourself by the attempt. If you find yourself spread too thin, revert to the single degree. After all, a double major is to be seen as an opportunity, not an unyielding burden. Eric Butterman is an independent writer. For Further Discussion When you consider how much time is spent on a four-year degree, summer courses may be the largest trade you have to make for this extra major.Dr. Robert Amundsen, NYIT

Why Human Resources Management Is Important

Why Human Resources Management Is Important Why Human Resources Management Is Important Debates about the importance of Human Resources Management occur daily in workplaces. Some employees regard Human Resource (HR) as the policing, traumatizing, systematizing arm of executive management. These employees see HR staff as gatekeepers, people who  hold  little interest in employee concerns. Such employees also see HR staff as supporting managers, not regular employees, sometimes attributing nefarious goals and motives to HR staff or even talking about  why they hate HR. Part of the problem is that HR has to  balance the interests  of five different stakeholders, so employees can feel their interests are ignored. 2:07 Watch Now: Why HR Matters Now More Than Ever Why HR Is Important A  good HR department  is critical to an employee-oriented, productive workplace in which employees are energized and engaged. Below are a few key reasons why: HR monitors the culture. Some organizations say that HR owns the culture, but as in all other employee relations matters, we  recommend that the ownership is spread across all employees.HR owns the overall talent management processes. In conjunction with other managers, HR leads the way in  management development,  performance management,  succession planning,  career paths, and other aspects of  talent management. HR cant do  it alone and relies heavily on managers and executive staff to help plan and execute the strategies. However, HR has to bring new ideas and effective practices into the organization. HR is responsible for the overall recruiting of a superior workforce. Once again, HR cannot do it alone but must provide support to  hiring managers  who are also responsible for recruiting a  superior workforce. HR must provide  leadership, training, scheduling assistance, a  systematic hiring process,  recruitment planning processes, interview expertise, selection monitoring, and more.HR recommends  market-based salaries  and develops an overall strategic compensation plan. HR provides guidance to managers as they determine the salary ranges within their organizations. HR researches,  recommends and implements  employee benefits programs  that attract and retain your best employees. HR is also responsible for controlling costs and considering various options before recommending adoption.HR is responsible for recommending and instituting strategies for people and the organization that further the attainment of the organizations  strategic goals. If your organization is changing direction, developing new products,  changing mission, vision, or goals, HR must lead the way with employee programs and processes. HR makes sure that workplace activities, events, celebrations, ceremonies, field trips, and  team building  opportunities are occurring. Other employees plan and implement the activities with or without HRs help, but the HR leader is generally responsible for monitoring the budget and providing committee oversight.HR advocates for employees who have issues or conflict  with management and coaches managers and executives who seek a more effective approach to working with particular employees. Not everyone loves each other but they need to develop  effective working relationships  with contributions and productivity. HR can help by knowing the players and taking on the necessary role of advocate, coach and/or mediator. The importance of HR is easily overlooked in the busy day-to-day in the workplace, but without contributions in each of these areas, the organization would be less successful.

Jumpstarting the Economy

Jumpstarting the Economy Jumpstarting the Economy Jumpstarting the Economy In May and June 2009, the Human Capital Institute and Worldwide conducted extensive survey research into the effects of the global Great Recession on the workforce. More than 700 companies and almost 5,000 Passive and Active Job Seekers participated. Though many respondents felt they would not be affected directly by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), others gave very specific examples of how they perceive an impact: Just 4% of companies surveyed reported a stimulus benefit, or an indirect benefit through their clients. Most stimulus monies have yet to reach organizations and remain to be allocated; HR professionals report that expectations have been miss-set for the speed at which the stimulus can create new jobs that reach workers. Job seekers report seeing stimulus funds through extensions and increases of unemployment payments, and reduction of COBRA health insurance costs. Read this report for more of these in-depth findings and for a case study that demonstrates the stimuluss impact at Oregon Health Science University, a healthcare organization in Portland, Oregon. For additional information on the recession: The Great Recession From the Employer Perspective The Great Recession From the Worker Perspective