Comments on: JOB SEARCH in an iffy economy http://blog.ctnews.com/cohen/2009/07/26/job-search-in-an-iffy-economy/ Life Planning Specialist Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:14:37 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Joyce http://blog.ctnews.com/cohen/2009/07/26/job-search-in-an-iffy-economy/#comment-8 Joyce Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:39:31 +0000 http://blog.ctnews.com/cohen/?p=14#comment-8 Sue, Great idea - amazing what one sees when the camera doesn't miss anything. How many of us have gestures we aren't aware of that are distracting. Good for you to try something different, and, thanks for sharing. Good luck in your job search and let me know if you have questions. -Joyce Sue,
Great idea – amazing what one sees when the camera doesn’t miss anything. How many of us have gestures we aren’t aware of that are distracting.
Good for you to try something different, and, thanks for sharing. Good luck in your job search and let me know if you have questions. -Joyce

]]> By: Sue Sanchez http://blog.ctnews.com/cohen/2009/07/26/job-search-in-an-iffy-economy/#comment-7 Sue Sanchez Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:56:20 +0000 http://blog.ctnews.com/cohen/?p=14#comment-7 Hey, Joyce Thanks for your tips - I have been practicing my interviewing skills. My husband is videotaping me while a friend is 'interviewing' me. Wow, what an eye-opener - I'd recommend this to others. I thought I knew how to interview and really didn't take the time to prepare. I am feeling a lot more confident! Thanks, Sue Hey, Joyce
Thanks for your tips – I have been practicing my interviewing skills.
My husband is videotaping me while a friend is ‘interviewing’ me. Wow, what an eye-opener – I’d recommend this to others. I thought I knew how to interview and really didn’t take the time to prepare. I am feeling a lot more confident! Thanks, Sue

]]> By: Joyce http://blog.ctnews.com/cohen/2009/07/26/job-search-in-an-iffy-economy/#comment-6 Joyce Thu, 06 Aug 2009 02:21:46 +0000 http://blog.ctnews.com/cohen/?p=14#comment-6 Local Eyes - Good for you to take the time to inquire about new ideas on job opportunities. Overcoming inertia is the first major hurdle and it appears you’ve conquered that obstacle. As you said, you produce, you don't collect. Now, ask yourself a key question. “Regardless of your mobility and physical challenges, What are your talents? What are you able to do that appeals to you? How would you describe your skills, interests, preferences, values?" Once you have a clear idea the value that you offer the workplace, then focus on specific industries and their needs. You never know how an organization might be able to use your talents. Create a list of industries (or specific organizations)that interest you. Place them in priority order and investigate opportunities. I wish you well. Local Eyes – Good for you to take the time to inquire about new ideas on job opportunities. Overcoming inertia is the first major hurdle and it appears you’ve conquered that obstacle. As you said, you produce, you don’t collect. Now, ask yourself a key question. “Regardless of your mobility and physical challenges, What are your talents? What are you able to do that appeals to you? How would you describe your skills, interests, preferences, values?”

Once you have a clear idea the value that you offer the workplace, then focus on specific industries and their needs. You never know how an organization might be able to use your talents. Create a list of industries (or specific organizations)that interest you. Place them in priority order and investigate opportunities. I wish you well.

]]> By: Local Eyes http://blog.ctnews.com/cohen/2009/07/26/job-search-in-an-iffy-economy/#comment-5 Local Eyes Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:32:59 +0000 http://blog.ctnews.com/cohen/?p=14#comment-5 I have a condition that puts many people in a wheelchair yet I don't "collect", I produce. I work at home because my physical limitations offer few choices. I can walk but use a cane. I'm writing this because I'll be reading your blog to get new ideas on job opportunities and strategies. I have a condition that puts many people in a wheelchair yet I don’t “collect”, I produce. I work at home because my physical limitations offer few choices. I can walk but use a cane. I’m writing this because I’ll be reading your blog to get new ideas on job opportunities and strategies.

]]> By: Joyce http://blog.ctnews.com/cohen/2009/07/26/job-search-in-an-iffy-economy/#comment-4 Joyce Mon, 27 Jul 2009 21:53:23 +0000 http://blog.ctnews.com/cohen/?p=14#comment-4 Sue, Is this a new interview or are you already "on the job" inside a company and looking at options? If you're on the inside, it's easier to find more about salary ranges and perks since you probably have a few contacts and already have an idea of salary ranges. I'll assume that you're interviewing with a new company where you're coming in brand new. When you say "I told one company I felt the job was worth X," there is mistake #1. One of the cardinal negotiating rules is to put off discussing salary until there is serious interest in you and a job offer has been made. In essence, you set yourself up for the interviewer's comment about being unrealistic. Remember, we're working post Bernie Madoff, Enron, and thousands of individuals have taken pay cuts and are being laid off. Employers are sensitive to and concerned about greed. Start with these guidelines regarding salary: 1. Once you know the company name, do your homework. Find out entry level salaries in the industry (vault.com, hoovers.com, salaryexpert.com) or print media like National Business Employment Weekly which lists job openings around the country with attached salaries. 2. When you're on the interview, focus your interest and enthusiasm solely on the job you're applying for. Ask questions, be enthusiastic about the work you'd be doing. 3. Once the job offer is made, go to the higher end of the range (if you already bring significant value/skill to the job). 4. In the interview, listen for other skills, talents they need. If you possess them, discuss combining skill sets and bringing more value to the job. As that is communicated and proven, salary goes up. Sometimes there's a "proving period" after which salary is reviewed and an increase given after a few weeks or months on the job. Good luck. Joyce Sue,
Is this a new interview or are you already “on the job” inside a company and looking at options? If you’re on the inside, it’s easier to find more about salary ranges and perks since you probably have a few contacts and already have an idea of salary ranges. I’ll assume that you’re interviewing with a new company where you’re coming in brand new.

When you say “I told one company I felt the job was worth X,” there is mistake #1. One of the cardinal negotiating rules is to put off discussing salary until there is serious interest in you and a job offer has been made.
In essence, you set yourself up for the interviewer’s comment about being unrealistic. Remember, we’re working post Bernie Madoff, Enron, and thousands of individuals have taken pay cuts and are being laid off.
Employers are sensitive to and concerned about greed.

Start with these guidelines regarding salary:

1. Once you know the company name, do your homework. Find out entry level salaries in the industry (vault.com, hoovers.com, salaryexpert.com) or print media like National Business Employment Weekly which lists job openings around the country with attached salaries.

2. When you’re on the interview, focus your interest and enthusiasm solely on the job you’re applying for. Ask questions, be enthusiastic about the work you’d be doing.

3. Once the job offer is made, go to the higher end of the range (if you already bring significant value/skill to the job).

4. In the interview, listen for other skills, talents they need. If you possess them, discuss combining skill sets and bringing more value to the job. As that is communicated and proven, salary goes up. Sometimes there’s a “proving period” after which salary is reviewed and an increase given after a few weeks or months on the job. Good luck. Joyce

]]> By: Sue Sanchez http://blog.ctnews.com/cohen/2009/07/26/job-search-in-an-iffy-economy/#comment-3 Sue Sanchez Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:54:35 +0000 http://blog.ctnews.com/cohen/?p=14#comment-3 Joyce- Is there a better way to figure salary standards in a company other than salary.com? I have found the averages to obe inflated. I told one company that I felt the job was worth xxxxx and the interviewer said that was unrealistic as that was more than she made as a middle manager. I felt very uncomfortable for the rest of the interview and left thinking I blew that one. Until that point we were clicking personality-wise. BTW, no second interview, no job. Thanks, Sue Joyce-
Is there a better way to figure salary standards in a company other than salary.com? I have found the averages to obe inflated. I told one company that I felt the job was worth xxxxx and the interviewer said that was unrealistic as that was more than she made as a middle manager. I felt very uncomfortable for the rest of the interview and left thinking I blew that one. Until that point we were clicking personality-wise. BTW, no second interview, no job.
Thanks, Sue

]]>