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	<title>StormStaff &#187; employment</title>
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	<description>Career Tips &#38; Tricks to help your Job Hunt!</description>
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		<title>What newspapers can teach you about writing a resume.</title>
		<link>http://stormstaff.com/blog/newspapers-teach-writing-resume/</link>
		<comments>http://stormstaff.com/blog/newspapers-teach-writing-resume/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:00:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>StormStaff</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[employment]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[how to write a resume]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[resume layout]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://stormstaff.com/blog/?p=833</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Courtesy of New York Times Our last post taught you what should be in your resume; this time we focus on the layout of that resume. In these changing times, your resume has to stand out and fit all manner of medium (meaning it has to look good printed, as well within email and on [...]]]></description>
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<div class="mceTemp"><a href="http://stormstaff.com/blog/resume-infographics/"></a>
<dl id="attachment_835" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 180px;"><a href="http://stormstaff.com/blog/resume-infographics/"></a>
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://stormstaff.com/blog/resume-infographics/"></a><a href="http://stormstaff.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/NYT.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-835" title="New York Times" src="http://stormstaff.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/NYT-170x300.jpg" alt="New York Times" width="170" height="300" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Courtesy of New York Times</dd>
</dl>
</div>
<p>Our last post taught you what should be in your resume; this time we focus on the layout of that resume.</p>
<p>In these changing times, your resume has to stand out and fit all manner of medium (meaning it has to look good printed, as well within email and on various websites). So, how do you ensure that yours stands out amongst all others? Take a look at any newspaper for direction. Not only do they have to fit all mediums, they now have to compete with blogs, opinions and keep both readers and advertisers happy on a daily basis.</p>
<p>First thing you should notice on the newspaper is the layout.  I can take one quick look and know where to find what I need. Make sure your resume is clean and easy to navigate. It may be fun to create a funky resume, but don’t go too far &#8211; if you’re not a graphic designer, you could be asking your reader to work too hard to find your information.</p>
<p>The most important spot on any resume is the top left corner. We read pages, regardless of website or printed piece, from top to bottom and left to right. The top left spot on a newspaper usually includes the company logo and should showcase the most important piece of your resume:  your  contact information. When I am scanning resumes, I always look at contact info first to see if the person is located in the correct area (more often than not, I want somebody to start immediately, so I can’t consider someone looking to relocate). Don’t use fancy fonts for your name or address (Georgia is always a good choice, easy to read and available on all computers). Again, unless you are showcasing design skills, make reading the resume as simple as possible.<br />
The second most important spot is the rest of the top bar. This should house your objective. Hopefully you know which specific job you are applying for, so you should tailor this one sentence to that job and answer the question, “Why are you the best fit for this job?” If you are posting to a site and not for one particular job, answer that question about your ideal job.</p>
<p>Next, the actual content. When journalists write they use the inverted pyramid, meaning the most important information is at the top with more minor, more detailed information at the bottom. This way, editors and readers can understand the entire story from the first few sentences. Below your objective and contact information, your qualifications are next on the list of importance. Start with your most recent job and work your way backwards. If you are fresh out of college, use any positions you may have had on student government, campus newspaper or within your fraternity. Try to show how this has enhanced your education. Did you win any awards, learn organizational skills, did you have to stick to strict deadlines or come up with fresh ideas? Put this info here.</p>
<p>The next thing I like to put actually steps away from the newspaper layout. Put your additional info next: any volunteer work, community groups, any articles printed. The reason I put it here is habit. It’s habit to expect a newspaper’s contact information in the footnotes and it’s habit to expect education to be at the bottom of a resume. There’s a good chance that a reader will read the top of your resume and then skim to the bottom to see your education.</p>
<p>So, last on the list is your education and any awards or accolades (restate them if you have them in the detail of your previous jobs). Start with the highest level.</p>
<p>Thinking of your resume like a journalist might think of an article or an editor might think of the newspaper puts you in that competitive mindset, which in these tough times you need. To get the job you want, your resume is your lead story &#8211; make it easy to read, interesting and intriguing.</p>
<p>Stay tuned, next we will discuss how to Search Engine Optimize your resume.</p>
<div style="float:left;margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;"><a href="http://www.google.com/reader/link?url=http://stormstaff.com/blog/newspapers-teach-writing-resume/&title=What newspapers can teach you about writing a resume. &srcTitle=StormStaff&srcURL=http://stormstaff.com/blog"target="_blank" rel=""><img border="0" src="http://stormstaff.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/wp-google-buzz/icon/5.png" style="opacity:1;filter:alpha(opacity=100)" onmouseover="this.style.opacity=0.8;this.filters.alpha.opacity=80" onmouseout="this.style.opacity=1;this.filters.alpha.opacity=100"/> </a></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Is a Cover Letter for Social Media and IT Jobs Necessary?</title>
		<link>http://stormstaff.com/blog/cover-letter-social-media-jobs/</link>
		<comments>http://stormstaff.com/blog/cover-letter-social-media-jobs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:47:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>StormStaff</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://stormstaff.com/blog/?p=722</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[  Cover letters can be a great way to get your foot in the door at a company that you want to work for.  A cover letter is usually sent in the body of your email with an attached resume when applying for a job.  They tend to be of great importance in this stage [...]]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-full wp-image-728  aligncenter" title="jobapplications" src="http://stormstaff.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/jobapplications1.jpg" alt="" width="186" height="127" /></p>
<p>Cover letters can be a great way to get your foot in the door at a company that you want to work for.  A cover letter is usually sent in the body of your email with an attached resume when applying for a job.  They tend to be of great importance in this stage of your job search because it highlights your qualifications, skills, and why you would be an asset for the company.  <a href="http://on.mash.to/gViA9N" target="_blank">Career Columnist Eve Tahmincioglu</a>, says that cover letters are even more important for social media and tech job seekers. “Today companies want tech employees who are critical thinkers, well-rounded and do more than just tech speak, these things are hard to convey in a résumé.” </p>
<p>Hiring managers prefer a customized cover letter for a position, because it shows that you are actually applying for <em>that</em>position.  Often, job seekers blindly send their resumes out , so taking the time to write a cover letter specific to the job you are applying for shows that you are truly interested in that position!  Also, a lot of times, the first person to see your application is a human resources manager, who may not know much about the computer programs and technical projects on your résumé.  The cover letter can be an opportunity to draw them in with a personal touch.</p>
<p>Cover letters are more important now than ever before because of all the social media platforms out there.  <a href="http://on.mash.to/h1pbeP" target="_blank">A study </a>shows that 45% of employers are screening social media profiles, and another 11% plan to do the same in the near future.  According to this study, roughly 35% of candidates have not been hired due to content found on their social networking sites.  Due to these statistics, many career experts think sending a cover letter is a crucial step in landing a job these days. </p>
<p><a href="http://on.mash.to/gViA9N" target="_blank">Mark O’Connor, staffing manager at oil company Tesoro</a>, says he doesn’t read much into cover letters, particularly for tech jobs — but adds that it doesn’t mean applicants shouldn’t bother to send them. “They should be short functional summaries of their relevant experience,” he says.  O’Connor’s team of recruiters focuses on developing relationships with candidates via social networks.  From there, they’re more concerned about the details that lie within the résumé and try to learn more about their past experience.</p>
<p>Here are a few cover letter tips:</p>
<ul>
<li>Make sure it’s brief and to the point</li>
<li>Tell all about your accomplishments</li>
<li>Be creative and don’t just summarize your resume</li>
<li>Your letter should serve as an introduction to your resume</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>In my opinion for all you job seekers, whether you are looking to get a job doing Social Media, IT, or in any other industry, it is important to set yourself apart from everyone else.  Although it’s not necessary to send a cover letter, I do think that is important that you sell yourself by sending a cover letter and tailor it to the specific job you are applying for.  A cover letter is still valuable and can help you by setting you apart from everyone else trying to get an interview for the same position.  Make sure you take the time to research writing a cover letter and do it the right way! </p>
<p> If you are interested in career opportunities, make sure to check out our <a href="http://bit.ly/dazWIX" target="_blank">website</a>.</p>
<p>Sources:  <a href="http://mashable.com/2011/02/05/cover-letter-tech-jobs/#">http://mashable.com/2011/02/05/cover-letter-tech-jobs/#</a></p>
<p>                  <a href="http://mashable.com/2009/01/05/job-search-secrets/#">http://mashable.com/2009/01/05/job-search-secrets/#</a></p>
<div style="float:left;margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;"><a href="http://www.google.com/reader/link?url=http://stormstaff.com/blog/cover-letter-social-media-jobs/&title=Is a Cover Letter for Social Media and IT Jobs Necessary?&srcTitle=StormStaff&srcURL=http://stormstaff.com/blog"target="_blank" rel=""><img border="0" src="http://stormstaff.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/wp-google-buzz/icon/5.png" style="opacity:1;filter:alpha(opacity=100)" onmouseover="this.style.opacity=0.8;this.filters.alpha.opacity=80" onmouseout="this.style.opacity=1;this.filters.alpha.opacity=100"/> </a></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>A New Year, A New Career!</title>
		<link>http://stormstaff.com/blog/year-career/</link>
		<comments>http://stormstaff.com/blog/year-career/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Dec 2010 15:43:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>StormStaff</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://stormstaff.com/blog/?p=669</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This year has been quite eventful. We’ve seen the economy plummet, then rise some, then fall and then rise some more. We’ve seen friends and colleagues get hired, then get fired, then get re-hired… or something like that. A tumultuous economic and hiring landscape has left everyone crossing their fingers, but one thing is for [...]]]></description>
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<p>This year has been quite eventful. We’ve seen the economy plummet, then rise some, then fall and then rise some more. We’ve seen friends and colleagues get hired, then get fired, then get re-hired… or something like that. A tumultuous economic and hiring landscape has left everyone crossing their fingers, but one thing is for certain: it’s going to get better in 2011.</p>
<p>It’s also that time of year where many of us start thinking of New Year’s resolutions&#8230; maybe the goal is to lose weight, get involved in the community, make amends with an old enemy or be more compassionate. Whatever the list of resolutions includes, the common factor is usually to improve ourselves and part of that improvement includes considering your professional and career goals as well. Do you want to improve or change your career in 2011?</p>
<p><a href="http://stormstaff.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/bells.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-672" title="bells" src="http://stormstaff.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/bells-300x258.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="258" /></a></p>
<p>The first step to making career improvements in the New Year is to set aside some time to do research. Basically, find out who is hiring and who is firing. Look at which companies are seeing growth and which companies are downsizing. Knowing this information can be key to finding professional opportunities and change. A great way to get this kind of inside information would be talking to a <a href="http://www.stormstaff.com/">recruiter</a>. Part of a recruiter’s job is to do research every day. What kind of research? Recruiters need to understand the economic and hiring landscape better than any candidate out there. With the research and knowledge that they attain, they can then provide their candidates with the best opportunities available. Recruiters also work firsthand with clients and know which organizations and industries are the ones hiring and which aren’t. They also know what hiring managers are looking for and what they aren’t looking for. All of this information is like a recruiter’s bread and butter, so why not go to someone who can provide you expert advice on getting yourself on the better career path?<span id="more-669"></span></p>
<p>Second, take some time for self-reflection. Look at your career as a whole. Look at your career in 2010. What did you do right? What did you do wrong? Being able to assess your strengths and weaknesses is a step to bettering yourself professionally. This will help you assess the best options for your career in 2011 and beyond.</p>
<p>Here’s a big step to follow: be proactive! If you want anything in life, you’ve got to put in some work. And if you put in a little extra effort, well, you’ve got the right idea. You want a certain job and think it’s out of reach? Well, put it in arms length by being proactive! Find out who the decision makers are, ask recruiters to help you, learn all that you can about the organization you want to work at and become an expert at their industry and what they do. If you do this, I guarantee that you’ll have a major advantage over other job seekers who simply send in a resume and never even follow up.</p>
<p>Last of all and probably most important, you need to use the help of the network you’ve created in 2010 for your career moves in 2011! People in your network include former colleagues, recruiters, friends, family and other professionals you have met. Use these individuals as your pipeline for new opportunities – don’t be afraid to ask them questions! They may know of several great job opportunities right within your reach and can also offer insights on other opportunities for career growth.</p>
<p>Also, don’t forget that you can always check out our <a href="http://www.stormstaff.com/jobseekers.html">job board</a> for our latest job openings across the country! If you’d like to speak with a SkillStorm recruiter, visit our website or check out our <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/groups?about=&amp;gid=2180543&amp;trk=anet_ug_grppro">LinkedIn group</a> and post your questions and comments! Have a great New Year and we’ll see you in 2011!</p>
<div style="float:left;margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;"><a href="http://www.google.com/reader/link?url=http://stormstaff.com/blog/year-career/&title=A New Year, A New Career!&srcTitle=StormStaff&srcURL=http://stormstaff.com/blog"target="_blank" rel=""><img border="0" src="http://stormstaff.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/wp-google-buzz/icon/5.png" style="opacity:1;filter:alpha(opacity=100)" onmouseover="this.style.opacity=0.8;this.filters.alpha.opacity=80" onmouseout="this.style.opacity=1;this.filters.alpha.opacity=100"/> </a></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Download our New Whitepaper on The Effects of Social Networks on Employment!</title>
		<link>http://stormstaff.com/blog/download-whitepaper-effects-social-networks-employment/</link>
		<comments>http://stormstaff.com/blog/download-whitepaper-effects-social-networks-employment/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Nov 2010 14:47:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>StormStaff</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://stormstaff.com/blog/?p=596</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Did you know Americans spend nearly a quarter of their time online frequenting social networking sites and blogs? It is apparent that these sites have streamlined into all parts of life, including the workplace. More and more employers are turning to these sites for help in the hiring process, forever changing the face of the [...]]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stormstaff.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/WPSNS.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-597" title="WPSNS" src="http://stormstaff.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/WPSNS.jpg" alt="" width="429" height="372" /></a></p>
<p>Did you know<strong><em> Americans spend nearly a quarter of their time online </em></strong>frequenting social networking sites and blogs? It is apparent that these sites have streamlined into all parts of life, including the workplace. More and more employers are turning to these sites for help in the hiring process, forever changing the face of the working world.</p>
<p>This whitepaper will address how employers use these sites to obtain a more well-rounded view of job candidates, the effects of social networks on the current workplace, concerns associated with the use of social networking sites for both employers and employees alike and tips on how job candidates can make their online profiles employer-friendly.</p>
<p><strong>For your copy of the whitepaper, <a href="http://www.stormstaff.com/SNSEmployment">click here</a>.</strong></p>
<div style="float:left;margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;"><a href="http://www.google.com/reader/link?url=http://stormstaff.com/blog/download-whitepaper-effects-social-networks-employment/&title=Download our New Whitepaper on The Effects of Social Networks on Employment!&srcTitle=StormStaff&srcURL=http://stormstaff.com/blog"target="_blank" rel=""><img border="0" src="http://stormstaff.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/wp-google-buzz/icon/5.png" style="opacity:1;filter:alpha(opacity=100)" onmouseover="this.style.opacity=0.8;this.filters.alpha.opacity=80" onmouseout="this.style.opacity=1;this.filters.alpha.opacity=100"/> </a></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Your Beach Body isn’t the Only Thing You Should Shape Up this Summer!</title>
		<link>http://stormstaff.com/blog/beach-body-isnt-shape-summer/</link>
		<comments>http://stormstaff.com/blog/beach-body-isnt-shape-summer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:48:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>StormStaff</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[employment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[job hunt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[job search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hiring]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Job Seeker]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Resume]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shape Up]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.&#8221; &#8211;Russell Baker, American journalist and humorist Monday marked the official start of the summer and while most of us may be concerned with losing a few extra pounds around our midsection or toning up our pecks before hitting the shores this season, [...]]]></description>
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<p><em>Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.&#8221;</em></p>
<p><strong><em>&#8211;Russell Baker,</em></strong><strong><em> <strong>American journalist and humorist</strong></em></strong><em></em></p>
<p>Monday marked the official start of the summer and while most of us may be concerned with losing a few extra pounds around our midsection or toning up our pecks before hitting the shores this season, this might not be the only shaping up that needs to happen.<a href="http://stormstaff.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/beach.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-451" style="margin: 10px;" title="beach" src="http://stormstaff.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/beach.jpg" alt="" width="280" height="420" /></a></p>
<p>This summer, treat your resume like you do your bathing suit bod and you will find much more ease with your job search! You may want to evaluate your current situation and determine the best strategy to boost your chances of getting a call back. Depending on where you stand, you may find yourself bulking up, slimming down or simply just toning up your resume a bit over the summer:</p>
<p><strong>Need to bulk up:</strong> Is your resume looking a little bare? Need to beef it up? If you need to add to your resume, you may want to consider doing some volunteer work at local charities, alumni associations, community groups, professional interest groups, etc.<span id="more-450"></span></p>
<p>Volunteer work gives you a chance to gain important workplace skills and some extra experience. You can take it a step further by getting involved on the leadership level of an organization! Consider an elected or appointed position, the Board of Directors or possibly acting as a community advocate. Getting involved in higher levels of volunteer-based organizations will not only show you are self-motivated but will also let potential employers get to know a little more about what your passions are. Not to mention that volunteering can also lead to good job references and loads of networking opportunities.</p>
<p>Another way you can bulk up your resume would be taking additional courses and certifications. They may require a bit of a time commitment but you’ll be able to attend them at most local community colleges and educational facilities. Listing additional courses and certifications on your resume show you have some initiative, something all employers are looking for in potential employees.</p>
<p><strong><br />
Slim Down:</strong> Feel like you’ve got too much weight carried around on your resume? Is it bogging you down? Slimming down your resume may be just the trick, but it can be hard to do. We’ve all felt the need to include as much as possible on our resume, but in fact, you may end up jeopardizing your chances by including too much. The most important thing you can do on your resume is to have clearly described your skills and strengths. If you’ve done this and get asked in for an interview, feel free to go in depth at that time. So make sure you trim the fat. Avoid long lists of duties for jobs you’ve held and keep it to the facts that emphasize your accomplishments and successes. The most important thing you can do to keep a lean, mean resume is to keep it straight forward and concise.</p>
<p>As a rule of thumb for your resume, try to remember that less can actually be more!</p>
<p><em>Side note: If you are a more experienced job seeker and need to trim down your resume, a good way to do this (as well as prevent any possible age discrimination) could be leaving off the year you graduated from college. You may also leave off older work experience as well. </em></p>
<p><strong>Just a little tone up:</strong> Some of you may only need a few touch-up revisions to your resume. If this is you, congratulations on winning half the battle! As you tone up your resume, you’ll want to make sure to look over your resume for keywords. These keywords will be crucial in grabbing a hiring manager’s and recruiter’s eye. If you want to spark up interest, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got keywords scattered throughout your resume. Take a look at job postings in your field to determine some of the common keywords that you should include in your resume. If you find a job you’d like to apply for and the posting lists certain skills that are required to apply, make sure you include those on your resume, too (as long as they are valid, of course).  You may also want to consider adding a brief “special skills” section in addition to employment history. This can be a collection of the words that best summarize your experience and skills. Lastly, if you’ve trained and worked with certain computer programs (for ex. Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft Excel), particularly if it&#8217;s unique and/or relevant to your profession, make sure you detail them as well.</p>
<p>Follow these tips and you’ll find yourself ready to beat the summer heat and feel your best throughout your entire job seeking process!</p>
<p>Sources:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4933887_bulk-up-resume.html">Want to land an interview? Bulk up your resume with keywords!</a> – ExecuSearch group</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4933887_bulk-up-resume.html">How to bulk up your resume</a> – ehow</p>
<p><a href="http://www.resumesandcoverletters.com/tips_blog/2010/03/opportunities-to-add-keywords.html">Opportunities to add keywords to your resume</a> &#8211; Quintessential Resume Resumes and Cover Letters Tips</p>
<div style="float:left;margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;"><a href="http://www.google.com/reader/link?url=http://stormstaff.com/blog/beach-body-isnt-shape-summer/&title=Your Beach Body isn’t the Only Thing You Should Shape Up this Summer!&srcTitle=StormStaff&srcURL=http://stormstaff.com/blog"target="_blank" rel=""><img border="0" src="http://stormstaff.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/wp-google-buzz/icon/5.png" style="opacity:1;filter:alpha(opacity=100)" onmouseover="this.style.opacity=0.8;this.filters.alpha.opacity=80" onmouseout="this.style.opacity=1;this.filters.alpha.opacity=100"/> </a></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>GOAL! Treat your Job Seeking Process like a World Cup Soccer Champion</title>
		<link>http://stormstaff.com/blog/goal-treat-job-seeking-process-world-cup-soccer-champion/</link>
		<comments>http://stormstaff.com/blog/goal-treat-job-seeking-process-world-cup-soccer-champion/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jun 2010 21:57:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>StormStaff</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[career]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[employment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[interview]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[tips & tricks]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[With the onset of the 2010 World Cup quickly approaching, many of us will find ourselves glued to the TV as we watch and cheer on our favorite soccer teams from around the globe. Players will bring fierce competition to the pitch as they strive to beat out international opponents for the coveted gold cup. [...]]]></description>
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<p>With the onset of the 2010 World Cup quickly approaching, many of us will find ourselves glued to the TV as we watch and cheer on our favorite soccer teams from around the globe. Players will bring fierce competition to the pitch as they strive to beat out international opponents for the coveted gold cup.<a href="http://stormstaff.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/soccer.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-439" title="soccer" src="http://stormstaff.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/soccer.jpg" alt="" width="449" height="266" /></a></p>
<p>In many ways, the job seeking process can be compared to our favorite World Cup soccer teams. In the job hunt, the job seeker can take on the positions of various players as each represents a different stage of the process.  Let’s take a moment to go through the different team positions and how they represent the levels of your job search, and what you should be doing at each stage you follow through:</p>
<p><strong>Step 1 of the job hunt: You are the Goalkeeper</strong></p>
<p>As a goalkeeper, you’re somewhat safe in home territory. Being in this position can be helpful at the beginning of your job search, because you’re at a point where you can step back and assess the current situation right in front of your eyes. This is the best spot to be in when you’re doing research and working on your hiring materials, such as writing your cover letter, updating your resume or filling out an application. It is also a good time to consider devising a strategy or some tactics to make the most of your job search.<span id="more-438"></span></p>
<p><strong>Step 2 of the job hunt: Moving on to the Defensive Level</strong></p>
<p>The next thing you’ll want to do is take on the role of defense. As a defender, your main task is to show that you’re willing to beat out the competition, why you’re the best fit for the employer and that you really, really want the job. Sure, there may be other good candidates out there, but at this stage, you should be able to defend your value and prove that YOU are the best choice. You can do this in a number of ways, including simply taking a proactive approach by contacting and introducing yourself to recruiters or hiring personnel to show your interest. Many job seekers wait it out for a job opening or wait for recruiters to seek them out, but taking this first step will give you an extra edge over those candidates who remain passive.</p>
<p><strong>Step 3 of the job hunt: The most important level at Midfield</strong></p>
<p>Just like in any actual soccer game, the midfield level often involves the most work because they play both offense and defense. The most important role you will play on your job seeking process will be at this level. The midfield (middle ground) is the link between all of your efforts and the best stage to set up the scoring opportunities that will later result in scoring the goal.</p>
<p>This is probably the stage where your interview will happen. The interview can be one of the most crucial parts to the entire process. You may have already given some reading material to the interviewer, but the actual interview itself can help a hiring manager determine and solidify their decision. This includes any personality assessments, determining your fit in a particular work environment, answering any outstanding questions, etc.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Final Step of the job hunt: Bringing it home as a Forward</strong></p>
<p>Imagine this: the game is tied at Nil on the 89<sup>th</sup> minute and you’ve got one chance to make the shot. You’ll want to make sure you’ve set yourself up on the pitch and created the best opportunity to score, right? Same thing goes for the job seeking process. When your interview is over, try to find a way to stand out over other prospective employees so that you know you’ve given yourself the absolute best chance at landing the job. Make sure you have the best contact information and send a thank you letter to the interviewer. This small gesture can make a world of a difference. Even if you don’t get the job you interviewed for, this kind of good etiquette could actually end up opening other doors and leading to other potential opportunities down the line!</p>
<p>Wherever you are in the job search, remember that you need to maintain your focus on the end goal. Just as in soccer, there is no such thing as a fixed space or exact timeline, so keep in mind that you may interchange positions and roles according to the flow of the game (or in this case, the job seeking process). That being said, good luck job seeking and enjoy the 2010 World Cup!</p>
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		<title>Tips for More Experienced, Mature Job Seekers</title>
		<link>http://stormstaff.com/blog/tips-experienced-mature-job-seekers/</link>
		<comments>http://stormstaff.com/blog/tips-experienced-mature-job-seekers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 21 May 2010 15:11:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>StormStaff</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[employment]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Age is nothing but another number in the job seeking game! It seems older job seekers are in limbo during the current economic and hiring landscape. Recent reports from the U.S. Labor Department earlier this month show that unemployment rates are lower for older workers than other age groups. However, that being said, the same [...]]]></description>
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<p><em><strong> Age is nothing but another number in the job seeking game!</strong></em></p>
<p>It seems older job seekers are in limbo during the current economic and hiring landscape. Recent reports from the U.S. Labor Department earlier this month show that unemployment rates are <strong>lower for older workers than other age groups</strong>. However, that being said, the same report shows that it actually <strong>takes these individuals longer to find a new job than any other age group</strong>. What does it all mean for the older job seeker in today’s employment landscape?</p>
<p>Older, mature professionals are now job seekers for a number of reasons. Some older job seekers may get discouraged and lose confidence because of their age. However, if you are an older job seeker, stay positive! In today&#8217;s evolving job market, not only have the types of jobs out there changed, but so have the individuals who make up the current workforce. Remember that as seasoned professionals, older job seekers are great resources for any company, filled with loads of information and experience!</p>
<p>There are several steps an older job seeker can take to make the most of their job search. First and foremost, take a career inventory. Make a list of all the positions previously held. What tasks were completed? What accomplishments were made? One of the biggest obstacles for older workers is that they may be overqualified for jobs they&#8217;re applying to, so try to narrow down experience to what’s really important. Completing this exercise will help get your job search in gear by identifying potential opportunities and serving as a reminder of accomplishments achieved over the years.<a href="http://stormstaff.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/olderworker.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-419" title="olderworker" src="http://stormstaff.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/olderworker.jpg" alt="" width="449" height="266" /></a></p>
<p><span id="more-416"></span>As an older job seeker, keep in mind that resume writing may be slightly different. The résumé is a vital tool in the job search and can help any worker articulate the qualifications and experience they can bring to a potential position. Career consultants and advisors suggest that resumes for more mature job seekers tell a story and not just the last job title. What does that mean? Instead of simply listing the last role within the organization, list the promotions along the way. Another consideration to take into account is making the résumé skill-driven and results-oriented, instead of merely providing dates, titles and responsibilities from past positions.</p>
<p>A great way to keep an edge and stay fresh and vibrant in today&#8217;s fast paced job hunt is to take advantage of any learning opportunities that are available. Join professional associations, subscribe to trade journals and keep up with innovations and developments in your field as much as possible. Hone your skills or learn new ones. One of the biggest employment obstacles older workers may face is the concern that their skills are outdated and they aren&#8217;t willing to learn new ones. So, stress your willingness to learn. If you&#8217;ve taken courses and attended workshops, seminars, conferences and other professional development events throughout your career, be sure to tell your prospective employer.</p>
<p>Using these simple tips in your job hunt will not only help you get a better idea of what you want as an older, more mature job seeker but it will also help you better understand what employers are looking for as well. If you would like additional resume tips for more experienced job seekers, along with other advice for your entire job search from start to finish, check out our free Job Seeker’s Guide.<a href="http://www.stormstaff.com/resumetips.html"> Click here to get your copy.</a></p>
<p>Sources:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.secondact.com/2010/05/april-unemployment-numbers-the-us/">SecondAct.com</a></p>
<p><a href="http://money.cnn.com/2010/03/16/pf/saving/older_unemployed_job_tips/">CNNMoney.com</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.syracuse.com/job-advice/index.ssf/2010/05/how_mature_workers_55_and_older_can_hone_their_skills_or_learn_new_ones.html">Syracuse.com </a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25119584/">Msnbc.msn.com </a></p>
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		<title>If You Don’t Have a LinkedIn Account, Get One – Plus All the Features You Should Know About!</title>
		<link>http://stormstaff.com/blog/dont-linkedin-account-features/</link>
		<comments>http://stormstaff.com/blog/dont-linkedin-account-features/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 13 May 2010 20:31:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>StormStaff</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[employment]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[I’ll admit it: I’m probably somewhere in the running to becoming LinkedIn’s #1 Fan. I’ve even been known to call LinkedIn “my new best friend” from time to time. Why? In the professional world, LinkedIn can open up a wide range of opportunities. Whether you want to make new connections or just get your name [...]]]></description>
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<p>I’ll admit it: I’m probably somewhere in the running to becoming LinkedIn’s #1 Fan. I’ve even been known to call LinkedIn “my new best friend” from time to time. Why? In the professional world, LinkedIn can open up a wide range of opportunities. Whether you want to make new connections or just get your name out there, LinkedIn seems to be the best place to do it.<strong></strong></p>
<p>Let me start by saying that there are over<strong> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">65 MILLION</span></strong> people on LinkedIn. That number includes job seekers, recruiters, hiring managers, executives and regular ol’ joe schmoe’s like me and you. There are tons, and tons, <em>AND TONS</em> of amazing professional opportunities and resources available on LinkedIn.</p>
<p><a href="http://stormstaff.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/linkedin.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-413" title="linkedin" src="http://stormstaff.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/linkedin.jpg" alt="" width="323" height="315" /></a>So, I’ve written this blog post and I dedicate it to all of you out there who may not know, or understand, the power behind a LinkedIn account in your job search. Whether you’re new to the site or a self-proclaimed LinkedIn aficionado, this post is for you. <em><span id="more-412"></span></em></p>
<p>I’ve compiled a list of my favorite features on LinkedIn that will immediately ease your job search by leaps and bounds, and how you can use them in your job hunt right away:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Answers: </strong> This is a forum where you can ask questions about any industry or subject and browse questions and answers that others have submitted. You can browse business-related questions from both your network and the greater LinkedIn network. If you want to try posting a question, start off by asking one related to your job search and see what answers you get!</li>
<li><strong>Search: </strong>Want to be found by recruiters and hiring managers who are searching for people with the required skills, experience and qualifications listed for the jobs they need to fill? Then make sure you’ve created a keyword rich, well-developed profile! Take a moment to look over your resume and pick out keywords that will make your LinkedIn POP out to recruiters and hiring managers. Do you have any certifications? Include those as well. You can also look at other LinkedIn profiles of individuals in your industry for some ideas. What skills, talents and qualifications do they have listed?</li>
<li><strong>Status Updates:</strong> Status updates go directly to each of your connections’ homepages. If you’re looking for a job, make it your status update! If you’ve done something great in your professional career, write a status update about it too! That way, your connections will have a clear understanding of what you’re looking for and what you’ve been doing lately in your professional career. You can also increase the impact of your status updates by syncing your LinkedIn and Twitter accounts.</li>
<li><strong>Connections: </strong><strong> </strong>On LinkedIn, anytime is a good time to build your network and the opportunities are endless. <em> </em>Try connecting with recruiters and hiring managers immediately after you speak with them so they’ll have you in their network. Stay in touch with former, valued and trusted colleagues for potential future employment relationships. Connecting with other members and building your network can help you increase your visibility, which could lead to several business and job opportunities down the line.</li>
<li><strong>Groups: </strong>Joining groups on LinkedIn gives you access to view job postings, ask questions, form a dialogue with other group members, etc. Groups can be a powerful medium to find peers in your respective industries that you’d like to network with. Why is this helpful? Not only is it free, but also effective &#8211; you&#8217;ll get responses from members of the group who already share a similar interest or background element with you. Keep in mind, your messages on these groups can lead to hundreds and thousands of potential opportunities! Find relevant groups to network, including industry-related, local, job seeking/career-related, alumni and recruiting/staffing groups.</li>
<li><strong>Inbox/Messaging:</strong> I work in the marketing department at my company and I’ll tell you, I get at least a few messages a week from job seekers who ask about positions with our company. What do I do next? I point them in the best direction possible and I let our recruiters know they reached out to me. How is this helpful to the job seeker? If I tell a recruiter someone has contacted me about a job opening, I’ve planted the seed. A recruiter would much rather offer a position to someone who is genuinely interested in the job and shows a little extra initiative. And in today’s economy, you SHOULD be showing some sort of initiative. Getting a job isn’t easy, and if you’re not willing to put in the extra effort, there are thousands of job seekers out there who are.</li>
<li><strong>People You May Know: </strong>“People you may know” helps you discover potential professional relationships that may be right under your nose! LinkedIn makes it really easy to do this. According to <a href="http://blog.linkedin.com/2010/05/12/linkedin-pymk/">the LinkedIn blog,</a> staying in touch with your current contacts and reconnecting with old or lost ones is a critical part of establishing your professional identity and “People you may know” is a powerful way to find those connections. You can even break down the connections further into a list of people you may know by companies and schools. Make it a habit to page through all of your suggestions on the landing page, and quickly filter them by company or school. If you decide to connect, you may want to add a personal note referencing your history with the contact.</li>
<li><strong>Follow companies:</strong> LinkedIn recently launched a “follow companies” option, which allows you to keep track of key developments at companies that interest you. This feature allows you to stay in the loop on the latest updates, potential business opportunities and job opportunities by following companies you like. You can even personalize the volume of updates you receive and determine the type, frequency and format of updates for the companies you are following.</li>
</ol>
<p>So now that you’ve got this list of great LinkedIn features that can make a world of a difference in your job search – use them! <em>The truth is, </em>if you ain’t using LinkedIn for all it’s worth, you ain’t making the most of that job hunt of yours, my friend.</p>
<p>If you want to learn more about what you can do with your LinkedIn profile, you can also check out a nice little one page LinkedIn tutorial we’ve included in our online Job Seeker’s Guide. It’s free and you can get a copy of it <a href="http://www.stormstaff.com/resumetips.html">here.</a></p>
<div style="float:left;margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;"><a href="http://www.google.com/reader/link?url=http://stormstaff.com/blog/dont-linkedin-account-features/&title=If You Don’t Have a LinkedIn Account, Get One – Plus All the Features You Should Know About!&srcTitle=StormStaff&srcURL=http://stormstaff.com/blog"target="_blank" rel=""><img border="0" src="http://stormstaff.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/wp-google-buzz/icon/5.png" style="opacity:1;filter:alpha(opacity=100)" onmouseover="this.style.opacity=0.8;this.filters.alpha.opacity=80" onmouseout="this.style.opacity=1;this.filters.alpha.opacity=100"/> </a></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Calling Talented People Out There: Why it’s More Important Than Ever to Showcase Your Skills!</title>
		<link>http://stormstaff.com/blog/calling-talented-people-out-there-why-it%e2%80%99s-more-important-than-ever-to-showcase-your-skills/</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 04 May 2010 17:42:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>StormStaff</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[employment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hiring/staffing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[job hunt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[job search]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://stormstaff.com/blog/?p=403</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The first half of 2010 has certainly presented a challenging market for job seekers. Recruiters and hiring managers continue to receive hundreds of resumes every day from a large number of qualified and talented individuals applying to a very limited number of openings.  At a time like this, you really need to make yourself stand [...]]]></description>
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<p>The first half of 2010 has certainly presented a challenging market for job seekers. Recruiters and hiring managers continue to receive hundreds of resumes every day from a large number of qualified and talented individuals applying to a very limited number of openings.  At a time like this, you really need to make yourself stand out if you even want to get noticed. Companies may not be hiring in mass amounts, but they are certainly open to looking for the talent out there. So how can you differentiate yourself among the other candidates? Let your talent shine! Being able to showcase your skills can be extremely important to today’s job seeker. If you’re good at something and you really want the job – push that modesty to the wayside and let your talent be known!<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-397" title="man-with-megaphone" src="http://stormstaff.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/man-with-megaphone.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="355" /></p>
<p>According to a<a href="http://thehiringsite.careerbuilder.com/2010/04/01/see-how-your-organization-stacks-up-download-your-free-q2-2010-hiring-forecast-today/"> Q2 Job Forecast released by CareerBuilder</a>, more than a quarter of companies surveyed reported they are considering the option of replacing lower-performing employees for top talent. According to the report, <strong>more than one quarter (28 percent) of companies said they plan to replace lower-performing employees with higher-performers in the second quarter</strong>. This means that candidates who can really show their worth will stick around, but those who can’t cut it may fall on the chopping block. If you think you can fill in those open gaps and spaces as they gradually open up, go for it and do it confidently. That means you need to describe those things about yourself that will showcase your talents, skills and determination. Tailor your application materials to highlight your relevant skills for each opportunity, based on the job description. Employers want to understand why you are the best fit for a particular position, so be ready to provide reasons.<span id="more-403"></span></p>
<p>It’s your job to tell recruiters and hiring managers why you are a match for the position. Use facts and examples that support your case. Show them that you not only understand the responsibilities of the position, but how your skills are transferrable. Reference your background and explain how you’ve gained valuable insight that will help you perform that role exceptionally well. You&#8217;ll need to convince the recruiter or hiring manager that having you take on this role is the best choice they can make and that you would be a great addition to the organization.</p>
<p>In the end, it will be up to you to clearly show your skills, talents and competencies if you want to land the job. If you would like to learn more about the job hunt, including tips on cover letters and resumes, social networking pages, building your personal brand and more, sign up to receive our free<strong> <em>StormStaff Job Seekers Kit</em></strong> by <a href="http://eepurl.com/dyLD ">clicking here</a>.</p>
<h6><em>(Photo courtesy of http://www.bnifitzwilliam.com/news.html)</em></h6>
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		<title>How to Get the Boost of Energy You Need to be a Job Seeking Rock Star!</title>
		<link>http://stormstaff.com/blog/how-to-get-the-boost-of-energy-you-need-to-be-a-job-seeking-rock-star/</link>
		<comments>http://stormstaff.com/blog/how-to-get-the-boost-of-energy-you-need-to-be-a-job-seeking-rock-star/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:28:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>StormStaff</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[employment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[job hunt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[job search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://stormstaff.com/blog/?p=390</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Looking for a job can be tiresome and is pretty much a job within itself! Between applying to jobs, networking and getting on the radar of hiring managers – all while still trying to maintain your personal life – it can be overwhelming. What happens when you’re feeling low on energy? What can you do [...]]]></description>
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<p>Looking for a job can be tiresome and is pretty much a job within itself! Between applying to jobs, networking and getting on the radar of hiring managers – all while still trying to maintain your personal life – it can be overwhelming. What happens when you’re feeling low on energy? What can you do to boost it up? Here are some tips we’ve gathered to help you bring up your energy any time you&#8217;re feeling a little sluggish:</p>
<p>Change your diet. Eat snacks containing protein and a complex carbohydrate. You may look to candy bars or sodas for a sugar boost but those will only provide you with a temporary fix. Sugary foods will take you on a roller coast, making you feel good at the beginning, but sluggish later. Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.</p>
<p>Take breaks. If you take short breaks every now and then, it can actually help you overcome fatigue and get more done in the day. If you take one break of five to ten minutes (or even less), it’ll keep your energy up. Studies have shown that schedules allowing brief, frequent breaks are best in terms of fighting fatigue and increasing productivity.</p>
<p><span id="more-390"></span></p>
<p>Move around. Contrary to a belief that exercise may cause tiredness, it actually serves as a great way to bring up your energy! You don’t have to run a half marathon every day, but consider taking a brisk walk for 15 to 30 minutes. This can be done through a number of ways: maybe at the mall, while doing groceries, parking further away from your car, etc. Even a small amount of exercise will send oxygen to the brain, improve circulation and get feel good endorphins running through the body!</p>
<p>Surround yourself with positive energy and avoid the negative individuals that may be around you. These people can drain your energy, so if you have a bad feeling, you’re probably better off just ignoring them. Instead, try to surround yourself with positive people whenever possible. If you’re not sure if someone’s negative enough to affect your levels, think about how you feel around them. What kinds of emotions do they stir up?</p>
<p>Following these tips will bring your energy levels up during the times you need it most! However, don’t forget to keep your mind on the big picture during your job hunt. If you focus on the end result, it will help motivate you towards your goal.</p>
<div style="float:left;margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;"><a href="http://www.google.com/reader/link?url=http://stormstaff.com/blog/how-to-get-the-boost-of-energy-you-need-to-be-a-job-seeking-rock-star/&title=How to Get the Boost of Energy You Need to be a Job Seeking Rock Star!&srcTitle=StormStaff&srcURL=http://stormstaff.com/blog"target="_blank" rel=""><img border="0" src="http://stormstaff.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/wp-google-buzz/icon/5.png" style="opacity:1;filter:alpha(opacity=100)" onmouseover="this.style.opacity=0.8;this.filters.alpha.opacity=80" onmouseout="this.style.opacity=1;this.filters.alpha.opacity=100"/> </a></div>]]></content:encoded>
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