Over 50 and Job Searching - Cultivating Your Upper Hand

No one really knows when youth ends officially. But if you are over 50 and looking for a job, you probably feel that the rules have all changed. These are the times of downsizing, ‘right-sizing’ (whatever that means) and cost-cutting. If you have ever lost a potential job to a much younger, lower-paid candidate, you might have asked yourself if you’ve reached your expiration date.

job vacancy indonesia  

Yes, age bias still exists – let’s not be in denial about that. But there are all kinds of biases that exist in the workplace and the matter of age is now less of an issue. Today, many companies are realizing the fact that younger employees are more liable to shift from company to company in an effort to strengthen their careers. But older employees are more likely to stick with their present jobs and have more loyalty. Companies (finally!) have begun to realize that stocking their workforces with younger candidates may not be the wisest thing to do with respect to their retention strategies.

Now, this doesn’t mean that you can shimmy right up to that 20-something Human Resources Director and expect them to just give you the job - it all boils down to what a particular company is looking for at any given point in time. If a company values the immediate cost savings that only a younger employee can offer, then you probably don’t stand a chance. But if you can manage to convince them that your knowledge and skills are a lot more cost effective in the long run, then chances are your age won’t be an issue anymore.

employee   

In order to achieve this, you need to take stock of your qualifications and skills. Once you determine what skills are marketable, you’ll probably stand out from all the other candidates.

Tips - Differentiating Yourself From The Masses

• Find organizations that will view your skills and qualifications as appropriate to their business.

• One of the biggest misconceptions about older employees is that they are less technically savvy as their younger counterparts. If you are computer literate, add that to your resume. List all the software packages that you know how to use. If you aren’t proficient with the computer, consider taking classes.

• Networking is extremely important for the older employee in the job market today. Search for former business colleagues, organizations and employees at firms that interest you.

• Always concentrate on your past achievements and not on your age. You can leap over impending hurdles with regard to your age by displaying strong vitality, good work experience and refined work ethics. Make yourself seem like someone who can get the work done and who can bring a lot of profits to the table with your maturity and exceptional qualifications.

The bottom line is that an organization either has to hire talent or develop talent. So, if you are articulate enough about your skills and talents and can show that you are a fast learner, your chances of getting a good job, irrespective of your age, are very high vacancy

11 Commandments For Gen Y Job Seekers

With so much career advice floating around, what actions are absolutely essential for today's young professionals? Here are my 11 commandments to guide college students and recent grads through the maze of 21st century career planning.  1. Cast a wide net. Quick quiz: Which has the best shot of leading to a job? a) a career fair, b) a connection from your best friend's college roommate or d) a quirky help wanted ad on Craigslist? The answer: You never know. It could be any of the above. This means it's crucial to follow every lead.

job vacancy indonesia  

2. Clean up your Facebook page. Employers absolutely check you out on Facebook (and MySpace and any other social networking site that's popular in your industry). Make sure your profile is free of red flags-such as underage drinking, nudity, drugs or excessive profanity-that would indicate you might not be the most desirable employee.

3. Set up keyword news alerts. Sign up for news alerts (they're free from Google or Yahoo) containing the name of any company where you hope to interview. This means you'll be the very first to know about new products, new management and new business opportunities-invaluable knowledge when you want to stand out as the must-hire job applicant.

4. Get carded. Writing your phone number on a cocktail napkin or ATM receipt is cute at a party, but it sends the wrong message when you're networking professionally. Show that you are prepared to meet people by having business cards at the ready. All you need on the card is your name, a phone number (which can be a cell phone), and an email address. I am thoroughly impressed when I meet a student who has cards. It shows maturity, foresight, and an eagerness to have the appropriate tools for the working world.

employee  

5. Be a leader. Recruiters love to hire leaders, so be sure to include any leadership titles that relate to positions (paid or volunteer) on your resume. Great leadership words include: president, founder, director, manager and-yep-leader.

6. Network with your neighbors. Seventy to eighty percent of jobs are found through networking, so get out there and talk to the people you know. Tell everyone you're related to, everyone you see each day and everyone you meet (association members, friends of friends, airplane seatmates) that you are looking for a job and you'd love any advice or ideas they can provide. Most people are happy to offer some suggestions-or, even better, a hot lead.

7. Don't reinvent the resume. If you're new to the world of job hunting, there are many resume templates and examples available for free online. It can be very helpful to see examples before you start creating your own version. Sometimes the very site where you want to post your resume offers tips and templates, so take advantage!

8. Mock interview. You can anticipate the majority of questions you'll be asked on a job interview, so the more experience you have answering those questions succinctly and successfully, and the more feedback you've gotten about your performance, the better you'll do on the Big Day. Never let your real interview be the first time you talk out loud about your experience and what you want in your career. Practice makes perfect.

9. Make friends at Career Services. I guarantee you will benefit from taking advantage of at least one, if not all, of the following services offered by your school's career office: assessment testing, resume critiquing, databases of apprenticeship/job shadow/internship opportunities, career counseling, mock interviewing, career fairs, workshops and networking. If nothing else, visit the website of your school's career center-most have online resources that can be very helpful during your planning and searching.

10. Persist (politely). Sometimes the job goes to the person who is in the right place at the right time. This means you must stay on recruiters' radar screens by regularly reminding them of your interest and your fabulousness. Some ideas: Check in every few weeks with an additional suggestion for what you can contribute to the company, drop a note when you see the company mentioned in a news article (another great reason to set up those keyword news alerts) and check in whenever you have a new accomplishment to share. Warning: Don't make contact more than once a week. I said persist, not pester! 11. Don't curb your enthusiasm. All my research into career success yielded many tips and tactics, but one truth stood out above all: passion matters. An employer or client will often choose to work with the person who is most excited about her work and loves coming in to the office every day. Be that person and let your enthusiasm shine through! vacancy

10 Hot Jobs And The Certifications You Need To Get Them

While scouting for the top 10 hot jobs, we combed through tons of data offline as well online. Making a small list for just 10 hot jobs has taken some important considerations like the following ones:

job vacancy indonesia

1. Longevity of relevance of the job

2. Salary and growth potential

3. Universality of the field

While most job seekers looked for higher positions and salaries, others considered permanence of their job was their priority. It is noteworthy that the definition of job security has changed substantially in the last decade and it is all about continuing in the same job but under different employers. Ready? Here we go!

10 Hot Jobs And The Certifications You Need To Get Them

The top hot jobs were all of a high profile nature and most of them were in the field of computers.

1. CISCO CERTIFIED NETWORK EXPERT: This hits the top for the second successive year. Candidates consider themselves lucky to pass this test even on their second attempt where the percentage success rate is just 15. This hits the top because of its ever-increasing popularity, salary potential and vast potential.

2. MICROSOFT CERTIFIED SYSTEMS ENGINEER: The MCSE certification has stayed on top for many years now. The job involves working with operating systems and security issues. The popularity is also because it doesn’t require additional certification to get through to your dream job. Job profile: Systems Engineer and Systems Analyst.

3. TEACHER: Why do you think this found its way to Top-3 slot? Close to 1.3 million teachers need to be recruited in the next 5-6 years. Teachers in the K-12 bracket: 724,000 and post secondary teachers: 603,000. We had to give this position its due. All states offer various educator preparation programs for aspirants through their respective boards of education.

4. REGISTERED NURSES: Registered nurses are going to be in top demand in the next 5-6 years due to the government’s spending on healthcare programs. This had to happen sooner than later after the recent well-publicized nursing shortage. Certification: The boards of nursing in every state administers the certification exam, National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Minimum qualification to appear for this exam is graduation from approved nursing schools. Average salary, $53,000

5. COMPUTER SOFTWARE ENGINEER: CNN reports that 307,000 computer software engineers will be required in the next 3-4 years. This is one interesting job with lots of code writing or fixing for making the computers of the world work. Certification: University graduates with computer science as a major, with physics and math can jumpstart their careers. Some top certifications are MCSE, Sun Certified Java Programmer, MySQL and Red Hat Certified Engineer.

6. INVESTMENT AND FINANCIAL ADVISOR: Tops the salary charts for both federal as well as private employers. Based on the risk profile and risk-benefit analysis, they advise their clients on personal and business financial matters. Salary ranges from $28,500 to $145,600. Certification: College graduation along with a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification can enhance prospects.

7. CISCO CERTIFIED INTERNETWORK EXPERT (CCIE): If difficulty, prestige and recognitions are any thing to go by, here it is. CCIE is not among the most sought after certification but it is very difficult. This simply is the most feared exam of all. Certification: By CISCO
8. RED HAT CERTIFIED ENGINEER (RHCE): Increase of interest in open source code has shot up the popularity of this job. This is hailed as the MCSE of Linux certifications.
9. MEDICAL SCIENTIST: Broad category that involves medical research. This career is hot because of the large amount of research activity initiated by the government and private organizations on AIDS, cancer, Parkinson’s Syndrome and many more. Certification: Doctorate: $100,000 and above.
10. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER: This job ranks high because of its high growth index in the next 2-3 years itself. Salary indicated ranges from $38,950 to $92,940. They work in laboratories in universities, governments, or research firms etc. Stringent environmental regulations are expected making the job a much preferred one. Certification: College graduation and degree in Environmental Engineering or Geology
employee, vacancy

Top 10 Ways To Improve Your Interview Body Language

The following article summarizes the top 10 ways to ensure that you show good interview body language. Make sure that all the preparation you do for a job interview isn’t in vain. Your body language is key to job interview success.

The top 10 ways to improve your interview body language are as follows:

1) Eye Contact

There’s nothing more off-putting to an interviewer than the interviewee being unable to make regular, good, strong eye contact. The interviewer may think that, because you’re unable to do this, you either have something to hide, or you may not have the conviction of your beliefs. If you have difficulty concentrating when looking straight into someone’s eyes, then try looking between their eyes. They won’t be able to tell you aren’t looking straight into their eyes, but you’ll find it easier to maintain focus. Try it with a friend first to see what I mean.

2) Smile

You need to practice a strong, sincere smile. A good smile has the power to say, “I’m a happy, confident person and I’d love to work here.” Try practicing smiling in a mirror. Practice a smile that puts people at ease. It’s just as much your responsibility as theirs to ensure a relaxed atmosphere during the interview. If you’re embarrassed about your smile, see what a dentist can do about it. It might not cost too much to fix your teeth – and it will get you a lot of money if you get the job!

3) Open Body Language

Again, try practicing with a friend first. Make sure your legs are slightly apart if you’re a gent. Place your hands apart, on your thighs is good. Open body language is even more important when the interviewer is talking. It demonstrates that you are receptive to the question and actively listening. Remember when you practice your body language with a friend to take note of what to do with each part of your body. Unless you do that – and remember – you’re leaving it to chance that your body language will come across well at your job interview.

4) Don’t slouch

It’s easy to appear as if you slouch too much. This is especially prevalent if you’re asked to sit in a large, soft seat. Try not to appear too relaxed. Not sitting all the way back in the seat is a good idea. If you sit forward, it makes you look more attentive and more interested. Some people slouch because they’re not very interested. Other people slouch because they have bad body language. Either way, an interviewer isn’t going to be too impressed. Try practicing in a mirror at home.

5) Don’t be too erect

If you’re too erect then you won’t appear relaxed. If an experienced interviewer is interviewing you, they might put this down to stage fright. They might judge you on what you’re saying rather than how uptight you appear. However, if your interviewer isn’t too experienced, they might not feel relaxed either because of your posture. They could leave the interview with a feeling that you weren’t as good as the other person simply because you were too erect. Try to relax… but not too much!

6) Make sure your eyes sparkle
It’s all very well having good eye contact at your interview, but if your eyes aren’t looking bright and interested then you’re making life difficult for yourself! Make sure you have a good night’s sleep before your interview. Remember – this is a very important day – you need to look your best and have no bags under your eyes! If you want your eyes to sparkle, then it’s worthwhile getting some whitening eye drops. It doesn’t cost much, but it will work
7) Be engaged
It’s important to be subtly positive at your job interview. You need to demonstrate that you’re actively taking part in the interview. When your interviewer is telling you about the job role and company, make sure you nod subtly. This shows that you are listening and are interested in what they are saying. It shows that you are engaged in the discussion process and want to be part of the organization.
8) Breathe deeply
One of the best ways to relax before an important interview is to breathe deeply. If you breathe deeply, not only are you relaxing by slowing your rapid, nervous heartbeat, you’re also ensuring that your brain has as much oxygen as possible. This means you’ll be able to think clearly at your interview and be able to respond to difficult questions more rapidly. Breathing deeply before an interview will provide you with the effective combination of being relaxed and alert at the same time.
9) Accept an offer of a glass of water
You may not feel like having a glass of water, but taking a sip of water can have a calming effect on your interview performance. It can give you an opportunity to collect your thoughts while refreshing yourself. It will also give you a chance to get used to the surroundings while the interviewer is out of the room getting the glass of water. This will also give you the opportunity to gather your thoughts and decide upon any amendments to your interview strategy, as well as review your prepared responses to questions.
10) Practice your handshake
So many people don't have the right ‘professional’ handshake. Remember, this is part of the first and last impression you make at the interview. If you have a weak, limp handshake, this tells the interviewer that you may not have the ability to deal with confrontation. On the other hand, if your handshake is too strong, then you may not be a good listener. You may be quite confident about controlling a situation, but you may be less likely to be democratic in approach. To demonstrate the happy medium, have a firm but not hard grip, make good eye contact at the same time, and mirror the style of the person whose hand you are shaking.

find all the vacancies in Job Vacancy Indonesia, Vacancy

 

Interview Bias: Overcoming the Silent Forces Working Against You

Your job interview is tomorrow. You know your appearance will matter, so you polish your shoes and brush your hair. You realize your interviewer will have your resume in hand, so you've come prepared to explain every minute detail included on it. You've even done practice interviews and prepared your responses to all the trick questions. Are you ready? Not yet.

There remains a single type of preparation that you should do that can make or break your interview-knowing how to handle the possible biases of an interviewer. You need this knowledge because of a simple reality; interviews are subjective, no matter how many objective indicators are introduced. Interviewers are human, and all carry with them some assumptions about different types of people. Despite what may be valid attempts to leave these assumptions behind in the process, even the most earnest interviewer may be letting some of these biases make their way into the decision-making process. The best candidate for a job has many a time been passed over in the interview process because of bias. You don't want to be one of them.

interview-knowing how to handle the possible biases of an interviewer. You need this knowledge because of a simple reality; interviews are subjective, no matter how many objective indicators are introduced. Interviewers are human, and all carry with them some assumptions about different types of people. Despite what may be valid attempts to leave these assumptions behind in the process, even the most earnest interviewer may be letting some of these biases make their way into the decision-making process. The best candidate for a job has many a time been passed over in the interview process because of bias. You don't want to be one of them.

You're not likely to be able to change the bias itself in the short duration of the interview, and you may not be able to recognize it with so much else going on. You can, however, increase the chances that the interviewer will not apply their biases or assumptions toward you. This means preparing for the possible biases of an interviewer before you encounter him/her. You therefore need to recognize the most likely biases people have toward you and prepare to address these biases in interviews to minimize their impact.

Pinpointing Potential Biases

Many people think biases surround visible differences that people have, like race, gender, or appearance. This is true. However, biases usually run much deeper and assumptions are made about a number of other potential differences you may have with your interviewer. An interviewer may unconsciously make assumptions about you based on the way that you speak, your age, or any of the background information you have listed on your resume.

To figure out some of the biases that may surface, give some thought to comments people have made to you in the past that surprised you. Have people thought you were much younger or older than you actually are? Have they assumed you were less intelligent because of your accent? Have you been labeled because of the way you dress? Have people been surprised to learn something in particular about you? Make a list of some of these assumptions or obstacles that could impede on the interviewer from seeing you as the best candidate.

Use your friends to add to your recollection. Ask them what their first impressions of you were. Colleagues from the past are especially valuable since they know you in a work atmosphere and work attire. Have friends read through your resume and create a list of five statements they would make about you based on your resume. Ask them to limit their responses to information on the resume and explain your goal in the exercise so you get honest answers. Combine these statements with ones people have made about you in the past and keep a list handy with all of these assumptions.

The Information Inundation Technique

Once you get a sense for the impression you make and the biases people may have against you, make sure you address them. You should still be focused on demonstrating why you are a qualified candidate for the job. Therefore, while delivering persuasive responses to interviewer questions, saturate your responses with information that will also undo biases. Here are some suggestions:

1. Match their speech and behaviors. It is a good idea in general to match your interviewers in terms of their speech and behaviors for etiquette purposes. If an interviewer is formal in their speech, you should be as well. If they sit up straight, don't slouch. This will help reduce assumptions they make about you based on differences they perceive they have from you.

2. Acknowledge & Spin It. If you sense a bias, don't be afraid to address what it is you think is being held against you. If you have an accent, explain what you do to make yourself understood. If you are young, note it, but also explain what your age adds and focus more on the experiences you have had that makes you worthy of the position. If you are a woman working in a male-dominated profession, explain what you can add to the position very specifically because you are female. Make a point to show the value of the aspect in question.

3. Find a connection. When you get the chance to ask your own questions at the end of the interview, work to establish a connection with your interviewer. Ask them what they like about the company in question, and communicate your ability to relate to some of the traits he or she identifies. Make a point of smiling and try to be friendly. An open, communicative style on your part is helpful to address any negative biases that person may unconsciously be holding against you.

4. Communicate your Bridge Building potential. A successful job candidate is not only someone who can do the job, but someone who can work in the organization's culture and be able to do the job well in the long run. Interviewers with biases may assume that you will not fit well into the organization's culture because of your differences. Communicate your ability to work with different people, think from different perspectives, and be open-minded. Give examples. Ask about the company culture and talk about your ability to work with and relate to different people.

find all the vacancies in Job Vacancy Indonesia, Vacancy

 

How to Answer the "How Do You Handle Stressful Situations?" Question

When answering the "How do you handle stressful situations?" question during an interview, the best strategy is to give some examples of stressful situations you've dealt successfully with in the past. 

Everyone faces some form of stress on the job now and then. They probably won't believe you if you say, "I've never been in a stressful situation."

So take some time before the interview to think back over your career and come up with some stressful situations you can talk about. Make sure they are situations that had a happy ending, thanks to your reaction.

(If this is for your first job, think of a stressful situation during school or other aspects of your life.) 

Tell how you used time management, problem-solving techniques or decision-making skills to reduce stress. Mention stress-reducing activities such as exercise, stretching and taking breaks.

Don't be afraid to admit that you would ask for assistance if you began to feel overwhelmed.

If it's true, say you actually work better under pressure.

Some jobs are much more stressful than others. This question is often given as a hint of things to come. In other words, they would not be asking about stress if it wasn’t an issue.

So give serious thought not only to the question itself, but why they are asking it.

If you absolutely do not want a stressful job, have an answer ready that makes this clear. It may eliminate you from the running, but you probably wouldn’t want the position anyway if it’s going to stress you out.

Sample Answer:

"I’m not easily stressed. One of my previous bosses even referred to me as ‘unflappable.’ I know the importance of being flexible and am good at adapting to changing situations and shifting priorities. But if I do start to feel stressed, I’ll take a break to stretch or get a little exercise and clear my head. If the stress is affecting my work, and due to something beyond my control, I’ll discuss it with my boss. I remember one situation when I was working at ABC Company where an important client demanded that we finish his project two weeks ahead! of sche dule. At first that seemed like an impossible task. But instead of letting the stress overwhelm me, I took action. I looked at our other projects and found a way to shift some schedules around. It wasn't easy, but we did manage to meet the customer's demand, and he was very happy with the result."

find all the vacancies in Job Vacancy Indonesia, Vacancy

Six Steps to Acing a Telephone Interview

Telephone interviews are becoming more popular these days.  Sometimes they’re used as a simple pre-screening technique; other times they are an invaluable way for companies to consider candidates who live far away. 

Some employers hope to catch you unprepared in order to see if you can think on your feet and if you have superior communication skills.

So, if you are prepared for the call, you'll ace the test. If you are invited to participate in a telephone interview, here are six tips for acing it.

#1. Take the call when you’re ready. If an employer calls and wants to do the interview when you’re not expecting it (instead of setting up an appointment), excuse yourself politely (“I’m in the middle of something right now…”) and offer to call back in ten minutes. This will give you time to prepare.

#2. Get rid of distractions. Take the call on a phone in a quiet room — away from co-workers, radio, television, family, roommates, or anything else that may make noise or take your attention away from your task.

#3. Gather your tools by the phone. These include:

• Your resume

• Pen and paper to jot down notes, including the interviewer’s name

• Company research (with relevant information highlighted)

• Questions to ask about the company and position

• A list of your selling points to mention, and items to cover as you talk about the position. These include your best qualities, specific experience and skills related to the position, and personal traits such as dedication, enthusiasm, and team-building skills.

#4. Stand up to talk. Your position affects the quality of your voice. If you are sitting down relaxing, you don't project the same enthusiasm and intensity as you do if you're standing up. Also, smile as you’re talking. It will come through in your voice.

#5. Make a good sales presentation. You are selling yourself, so make sure you do it well... Just as you would during an in-person interview. Ensure that you’ve covered all the selling points on your list. (You do have a list, don't you?)

#6. Let the employer end the interview. When it's obvious the conversation is over, don't try to drag it on. Say "Thank you for your time," reiterate your interest in the position, and ask what the next step will be. 

find all the vacancies in Job Vacancy Indonesia, Vacancy

 

Plan Your Appearance to Make a Great First Impression

Your personal appearance is a critical component of that all-important first impression when you walk into the room for your interview. 

Some people don't think about what they're going to wear until the morning of the interview. Then they scramble to find something that's appropriate, clean, and doesn’t look like it’s been slept in.

Imagine putting on that rarely used suit an hour before your interview and discovering that it no longer fits!

Plan your outfit in advance, try it on to make sure it fits well, and get it cleaned and pressed if necessary. 

When deciding what to wear, think "conservative business attire." Even if you are interviewing for a field job in which you'll wear jeans and steel-toed boots, those clothes are not appropriate for the interview. It's always better to dress "up" than to dress "down."

The key is to look professional.

Here are some preparation tips:

• Think about your hair in advance and make sure it's as ready for the interview as your clothes. Do you need a haircut or touch-up on the color? This goes for mustaches and beards, too.

• How are your teeth? If they’re not pearly white, consider using one of the many teeth-whitening products on the market today. Dingy teeth really can make a negative impression, so don’t ignore this.

• Freshen your breath, especially if it's been a while (or if you've eaten or smoked) since brushing your teeth. Don't go into the interview chewing gum.

• Do not plan to wear perfume or cologne. Having no noticeable scent is better than turning your interviewer off by wearing too much perfume/cologne (or wearing a scent that unpleasantly reminds an interviewer of an ex-spouse). And many people are allergic to ingredients in perfumes and colognes. It's safest to wear no scent at all.

• Women, if you decide on a dress or skirt, make sure it's not too sh ort. Be conservative. By the way, pantsuits are perfectly acceptable these days if they meet all the other criteria.

• Don’t forget to consider your shoes. Chose a pair that is stylish, but conservative and comfortable. (Spike heels are not a good idea.) Make sure they're clean and/or shined.

Remember, your goal is to look professional and conservative. This applies to makeup, nail polish, jewelry, body piercings, tattoos, etc.

If there’s any chance that the interviewer might not like it, no matter how “cool” it is, don’t let it show!

Dress to impress!

find all the vacancies in Job Vacancy Indonesia, Vacancy

 

Career Advancement: Are You Ready To Be Promoted?

Promotion is one of those things almost everyone wants after a successful job search. But no one is bold enough to ask for it.

If you’re determined to get ahead after a successful job search and are willing to follow some simple steps, you can move the odds of a promotion significantly in your favor.

Job Vacancy Indonesia 1. Under NO circumstances do you ever ask for a promotion!

2. Get yourself a mentor. Someone a level or two above you that you feel comfortable with . . . with whom you can talk and get advice.

3. Determine the factors that go into promotions where you work. For example, does your boss select people he/she feels comfortable with -- that they hangs out with? Or do they base decisions based solely on performance? You need to develop that skills that match up with your boss’ expectations.

3. Let your boss know you have more to offer. For example during a performance review you can ask, "What more can I do for the organization." Or "What more can I do to make myself more valuable?"

4. Write down a list of your accomplishments. Be very precise and use quantifiable results. Then give the list to your boss for review in advance of your performance review.

5. Tell your boss you’re looking for further training, e.g. a computer course or specialty seminar. Send an unspoken message that you’re interested in moving up the ladder.

6. Get involved in civic or philanthropic activities supported by those at the top of your organization.

7. Show your initiative by recommending new ideas or projects. Send a message to your boss that you have something more of value to offer.

Vacancy 

Fired? The Interview Solution

So you were fired? Now what? How will you explain it when you interview?

There are many questions that plague job seekers. “What salary are you looking for?” is a big one. “Why should we hire you?” is another. And “Why did you leave your last job?” can leave you spluttering if you were fired and don’t know how to answer. And most people don’t! After they’ve stumbled through a few answers—trying in vain to phrase it in an acceptable way—and are not invited back for a second interview, their fears are confirmed. No one will hire them because they’ve been fired.

Except that’s not what’s really happening. The problem is not that they were fired, but how they answered the question.

We don’t stay at a job our entire lives like most of our grandparents did. Not only is it common to change jobs, some believe it's the best way to leverage salary and career. While most of the changes may be of your own volition, odds are a few will involve being fired or laid-off. Companies are bought out, merge, and consolidate, which means inevitably there’s a duplication of staff. It can be as simple as the new president wanting to bring in his own team. He probably didn’t even look at your capabilities, He just decided you were …outta there.

These departures aren’t as difficult to explain. You can say: 

• “Our company was bought and the entire department was eliminated.” (It’s not me; a bunch of us were asked to leave.) Safety in numbers.
• “The new president wanted to bring in his own guy. I lasted about a week.” (It’s not me; the president didn’t even take the time to find out if I was good at what I do.) A prospective company can’t possibly hold something against you that’s so… impersonal.
• “The company was losing money and downsized.” (It’s not me; if the company had been profitable, I’d still be there!)

The common thread is, “It’s not me.” Therefore, I am not flawed, unwanted, performing poorly, or any other reason you can think up or worry about. But these types of partings, while they seem impersonal, can still have a detrimental effect. We’ll get to that in a minute.
The instances that cause real damage feel very personal, even when they aren’t. You are the only one who was dismissed, and what’s more, you know they’ll replace you. You’re caught off guard, angry, and frightened, too. In an instant, you’re on the defensive, which is usually where people remain. And that’s exactly what causes the problem.
Firing isn’t always about the individual, even though that’s who’s impacted the most. Sometimes it’s about the boss—especially bosses with issues. It might be about poor performance, but that’s not always negative. It could be the result of having different philosophies. For instance, the company may value those who work weekends, nights and holidays. You prefer to balance your life.
Once you’re fired, you can’t change the circumstances. But you can control how you view them. While departmental or companywide layoffs are easier to explain, they can also cause damage. You wonder, “If I’d been really good, wouldn’t they have found another spot for me?” In addition, you’re in an insecure place that sometimes is difficult to adjust to.
Take time to clear some tears or anger. If you’re tempted to recoil, rehash, threaten revenge or otherwise communicate with your previous employer, don’t. Remember one word: reference! Don’t burn your bridges. Leave the company gracefully.
Most importantly, detach yourself from the event and honestly examine what happened. That’s the only way you’re going to get any insight and begin adjusting your thoughts and perspective. There are hundreds of reasons for dismissal, so no pat answer will suffice. The unequivocal rule is to tell the truth. If they discover you lied, you’ll be wondering for a long time how you’ll pay your bills. So when you’re asked why you left – tell them you were fired. Forthright brevity is best. It’s all in how you phrase it. The trick is a shift in perspective, which is easier when you’ve purged the defensiveness and shame.
Don’t give a long, rambling story or blame the company, your boss, or anyone else. Were you –even partially- at fault? Take responsibility. Did you learn from the experience? Say so. Are you completely at sea as to what happened? That’s okay. Not every job is right for everyone. There are philosophical differences, chemistry problems, tough spots, and bosses who are difficult and self-absorbed.
Regardless of the reason, it wasn’t your perfect job or you weren’t quite what they needed. The great thing is that it was recognized (in whatever form) and everyone is moving on. The goal is to be real about what works for you and why the firing took place.
The first step, as trite as it sounds, is to look at it as a blessing. It may take some time to see, but no matter how bad it looks or feels, something good will come of it. Maybe it will be a better job, a chance to grow, or the realization that you hated your career – who knows?
But if you’re too busy being angry and defensive, not only will you miss the chance to capitalize on the positive outcome, but you’ll also keep experiencing negative consequences. When you're in a victimized frame of mind, you'll miss recognizing an opportunity and continue to perpetuate your unemployment.
Let’s examine two answers to the question: “Why did you leave your last job?”
HOLDING-ON HENRIETTA: I don’t know. I was doing my job. Everyone liked me. They always came to me for advice instead of our boss. When the other manager left, they promoted the assistant. She’s maybe about 28. I guess they thought she’d be good just because she’d been there a long time, but she really was a shrew. I think she hated me. She was always talking down to me. One time she took credit for one of my projects. She’s the one that should have left! I’m glad to be out of there.
OBJECTIVE OLIVIA: I was fired, actually. The assistant manager was promoted to manager because she had seniority and she was very good at her job. Unfortunately, she was young and perhaps she thought respect was automatically accorded instead of earned, because when everyone else began coming to me instead of her, it didn’t seem to sit well with her. Despite that I excelled in my responsibilities and met my goals, she let me go. I’m sorry to have had to leave the company. I learned a lot there.

find all the vacancies in Job Vacancy Indonesia, Vacancy

Regarding Career References

References are often the last tool considered in a job hunt.

When you entered this job hunt, you knew you needed a résumé. A cover letter was a very good idea, too, and you got right on it. You may have even considered creating a follow up "Thank you" note for all those interviews (because you are very smart). You may have found yourself sitting at your computer late one night writing the perfect resignation letter (either the most difficult or most fun of compositions), being careful not to burn any bridges. But what about these references? You know you need them. You know that at some point in the interview game, if the hiring manager is on top of things, he or she is going to ask for them. But when? And from whom should these referrals come; past employers, co-workers, colleagues, mentors, professors, friends? Should they be written, or is it better for the hiring manager to speak to the referral (on the phone)? How far back in time can you go with your references before they are considered "too old," or no longer quite as valid or valuable?

Your résumé may proudly state that you have them available, "References available," but the truth is that statement is as far as many job hunters get, before scrambling to put something together at the request of a hiring manager or potential employer at the last minute.

When should you begin gathering references? You should be gathering these throughout your career life, whether you have a current need for them or not. Every time you leave a position, for example, you should be collecting letters, names and contact information from your employer, co-workers and clients who would be willing to express, either in writing or as a future contact, the level of services and work you have provided, even if the next job has been secured without them. When you graduate from college, getting letters of recommendation from professors and mentors should be one of the first things on your "To do" list. It may be a couple of years down the road before you need these references, but when you need them, when the job you are targeting is perfect and you want the best opportunity to beat out the other potential candidates for the position. . . good (no, great) references can make the difference.

Another reason why it is so important to gather these references immediately after graduation or resignation from a position is because at that moment your accomplishments, talents, skills and achievements are as clear to your reference as they may ever be. Think about what this reference or contact person may remember about you five years from now, versus what they know about you today. The achievement that brings such a wide smile of gratitude so soon after it's been accomplished may dim as the years move forward.

Get your references in writing, even if you have to offer to write the reference letter yourself. And try to get them on company letterhead if at all possible. Many people don't have the time or inclination to write a lengthy letter, but will be glad to sign one if the information is accurate and presented well. Written letters of recommendation remain a strong indication of what you have to offer.

In addition to having written letters of recommendation, you want to be able to provide the potential employer or hiring manager with names of those who they may contact who know of your work ethics, talents and achievements. By speaking directly with your references, the hiring manager may have the opportunity to ask questions specific and relevant to the particular position you're targeting. Because of this, it's important that you contact these references immediately following an interview, to bring them up-to-speed regarding the position in question and any particular criteria addressed in the interview. A prepared referral will provide much more enthusiastic and valuable information than one who is caught off-guard.

The information you provide to a potential employer regarding your reference contacts (in writing) should include: the referral's full name, their title (President, Owner, Manager, Producer, Program Director, Project Manager, etc.), the company they work for (ABC Corporation), their relationship to you (supervisor, employer, co-worker, mentor, professor, etc.) and a phone number or e-mail address where they may be reached. 

find all the vacancies in Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee 

Tips To Handle Employment Gap

Being unemployed is a difficult and stressful situation. To make matters even worse, the fact that you may not currently have a job can prevent you from finding a job. It is unfair, but true. Having gaps in your employment history are often an immediate turn off for recruiters and interviewers; however, with a little bit of creativity, you can make those gaps disappear.

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee 

This month's newsletter explains the 4 steps to handling gaps in your employment history. Don't let being out of work keep you out of work.

These following four methods will be covered:

1. Find Real Gaps
2. Fill In Gaps
3. Dodge Resume Gaps
4. Mention Major Gaps

4 TIPS TO HANDLE EMPLOYMENT GAPS!
1) FIND REAL GAPS
The first mistake many people make is to assume the worst when it comes to being out of work. Not having a job does not mean you have an employment gap. There are many legitimate reasons for not working. These reasons can be addressed directly without any worry.

The most common explanations of unemployment that should NOT be considered employment gaps are:

• •   Attending school
• •   Having/taking care of children
• •   Personal health problems
• •   Serious Illness in the Family
• •   Being between jobs for a short period of time (less than 6 months)

2) FILL IN GAPS
If your bout with unemployment does not fall into one of the categories listed above, you most likely have an official gap in your employment history. Even at this point, you do not necessarily have to let a potential employer know about this gap.

By keeping busy while you are between jobs, you can turn a would-be gap into a learning experience. Consider using the following tactics to fill those gaps:

• •   Take a class related to your profession. Being in school accounts for your time off, and
      employers like to see people bettering themselves through education.
• •   Look for freelance or consulting projects. These jobs are not permanent, but they do
      ensure that you keep up-to-date with your skills. You can put this type
      of work on your resume as if it were any other kind of job.
• •   Volunteer for an organization. Getting paid would be ideal, but future employers are
      concerned with your work experience. To a recruiter, a volunteering
      position can be just as good as a paying job.
• •   Read trade journals. Though this method may not be something you put on your
      resume, it will help you stay current with the industry. Conveying the
      newest information possible in an interview shows that you have not lost your
      knowledge of the business.

3) DODGE RESUME GAPS
Not everyone will be able to find a creative way to fill the gaps in their employment history. If you find yourself in this situation, it is no longer an issue of proving your time was occupied. Instead, you should focus on the fact that you are still skilled and qualified.

However, most resumes focus on time by addressing experiences chronologically. Consider using the following suggestions to draw attention away from your time between jobs:

• •   Don't distinguish between paid and unpaid work on your resume. This way you can
      have a seemingly continuous string of jobs, even if you volunteered for
      the sake avoiding an employment gap.
• •   Use only years (not months) when listing work dates on your resume. This can
      discretely cover several months of unemployment.
• •   Summarize what you did while you did not have a job. It may seem awkward to put this
      kind of information directly on your resume, but it is more important to
      let recruiters know you used your time wisely.
• •   Use a functional resume. Unlike the traditional chronological resume, a functional
      resume puts less emphasis on the timing of work experiences.
      Instead, a functional resume emphasizes skills, which employers care more about.

4) MENTION MAJOR GAPS
The last important step in handling employment gaps is deciding when to discuss them. Unless you can completely hide the gap, a recruiter will eventually spot it. If you are prepared to address the issue, you can avoid a potential disaster.

There are basically 2 schools of thought on this issue: address an employment gap in your cover letter or address it in the interview. Neither approach is wrong; neither approach is right. It is a matter of personal taste. Just consider these points before deciding, which approach you use:

• •   In a cover letter, make your explanation very brief. A one or two-sentence long
      explanation is enough. Details are not important.
• •   If a gap occurred a long time ago, don't bother mentioning it in a cover letter. Employers
      are concerned with your recent work, not something that happened 10 years ago.
• •   In an interview, still keep your explanation brief. The only reason to go into deeper detail
      is if you gained valuable experiences during your employment gap.
• •   No matter what, END ON A POSITIVE NOTE. Whether you address the gap in a cover
•     letter or an interview, state that you are ready and excited to get back to work.