Snippet: Unemployment rate rises again

Unfortunately, the unemployment rate rose to 10.2% in the month of October (U.S. Department of Labor). That's a pretty steep percentage, folks. Did you miss the news? Well, I nearly did because I worked a 10 hour day merchandising the holiday store. (Thank you Consumerist Blog for the updates!) Check out the New York Times from today for the full article. AND, don't forget to check out their cool and helpful interactive version of the unemployment statistics.

Reference Snippet

Who you know can be very important in a good OR a bad way. Don't "burn bridges" with previous employers or co-workers. You never know when you may need that person for a reference.

Student Loan Snippet

Do you have a Direct Loan from the U.S. Department of Education (a.k.a The Government)? Are you also a recent graduate and unemployed? Know your options for deferment and forbearance on subsidized government loans.

Salary Snippet

Yes, we all have a minimum acceptable salary. However, if the job application has a blank box for 'salary' I recommend putting 'salary negotiable' or 'negotiable' on the application. Wait until the employer gives you a job offer to discuss your salary.

Professional and Personal Reference Snippet

Don't forget: There is a difference between a personal and a professional reference.

A personal reference is an acquaintance who knows your character. This could be someone within your volunteer organization or a maybe a church or community member.

A professional reference is typically a previous employer. This person should also be able to speak of your character but provide more specifics about your previous work responsibilities and work ethic.

Interview Handshake Snippet

Learn to give a solid handshake. No sweaty palms. No limp hands. None of those hold-on-for-dear-life-super firm handshakes. And, don't shake the interviewer's hand 10 times either. 2 shakes will be enough.

Also, it is flu season. Wash your hands with warm soapy water before an interview and wash them after an interview. Let's keep the germs to a minimum.

Phone Interview Snippet

If you are invited to a phone interview and plan to use your cell phone make sure you have excellent reception. For any phone interview, cell phone or land-line, find a quiet place (no children or family, no traffic noise, no music or TV, etc.). It is annoying and embarrassing to ask someone to repeat what they said.

Phone Interview Snippet

If you are invited for a phone interview and perform better at in-person interviews, ask if that may be arranged instead. In addition, if you are presented with the option of a phone interview or an in-person interview I suggest participating in the in-person interview even if the interview location is far away. Otherwise, you will miss the opportunity to show off your personality and interact with your potential employer one-on-one. An in-person interview will provide insight to both parties, the interviewer and the interviewee. Do you want to work for them? Do they want you to work for them?

Resume Snippet

Do not post your resume in open forums and sit back thinking your work is done. It is your job to follow-up and find an employer.

Application Snippet

Are you going to send a cover letter and resume through email? If you live in the area where the job is being offered, call and ask if you may bring your cover letter and resume to the office in-person. Dress professionally and be prepared in the event of an interview.

Interview Snippet

Snippets are here! Most of my posts aren't short enough for twittering yet. However, every now and then I may post a single quick tip ("Snippets"). You know, one that you can read in 5 seconds and move on with life.

+Create 3 intelligent questions to ask before an interview so that you are prepared when the interviewer asks, "Do you have any questions about what we do?" Ask for details about the organization which demonstrate your initiative and interest. After a first interview do not ask about your salary.