20 Ways To Get a Job Through Twitter

College grads want to land those entry-level jobs online as fast as they can, so why not use Twitter? It's growing in popularity and you can see jobs posted, search for jobs, and contact employers quickly - it's essentially an excellent resource for job hunting.

Before you start tweeting away, however, take into account these 20 tips!

1. Discover Twitter. Spend some time surfing Twitter profiles to get a feel for how people are using Twitter. Bookmark a first group of people you’d like to follow. See what you like and don’t like and take notes for reference later. (That’s how I was able to put together this article so quickly)

2. Create a Twitter strategy. Your main goal is to find a job, but what are your secondary goals? Specific people to meet, industry news to follow, etc.? Plan to Twitter accordingly. Sketch out all your goals and ideas on how to reach them but don’t spend too much time on this initially, because there’s a good chance that your ideas will change once you start using the service heavily. And that’s ok, just rewrite your goals and strategy when it happens.

3. Sign up to Twitter. Create an account using your “home work” email address – the one you would use strictly for job searching as well – and choose a username that’s either your full name, first name and profession (think “Joe the Plumber”) or a pseudonym based on a formula of [Adjective][Country][Profession] e.g. SmartTechGuy. If you’re planning to twitter a lot about your private life, consider a second Twitter account.
4. Don’t follow your friends while signing up. After creating your account, Twitter will suggest that you immediately search through your email contacts to find friends that are already on Twitter. SKIP THIS because you’ll do it later. You want to create an impressive profile before telling anyone that you’re on Twitter.

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Seven Steps for Acing a College Grad Interview

You’ve worked hard, and now you feel you DESERVE to find a great job. And you do! But you still got work to do. Delivering a successful interview is not rocket science, but it does require preparation. You’ll need to know: • What they’ll be looking for and how best to communicate your value, both verbally and nonverbally. • How to answer a range of interview questions. • The best way to answer the ‘tell me about yourself’ question in a way that will positively influence the rest of the interview. • How to end the interview in a way that positions you as the top candidate. • Follow up strategies, so that you keep yourself foremost in their mind during their selection process. For the purposes of this article, we’ll assume you have a GREAT resume put together (if not, then click here for an article on how to write a resume as a new grad), that you’ve done all the right things towards finding a great job (if not, then click here for an article on job-searching for new grads), and that you’re really close to getting that live interview for a job you really want. Seven steps to interview success for new college graduates #1 Wow them on the first phone call. Your interview starts here. You are a person of interest, and this first phone call is what is referred to as a ‘screening’ call. This call is to determine whether or not what they see on your resume or in your online portfolio or what they’ve heard about you is real. This is your chance to make a great first impression, one that will carry through the live interview. Be prepared to expand on what’s in your resume and to answer questions such as ‘why are you interested in working here’. And if this call is to schedule the live interview, have your own list of questions about logistics, who you’ll be meeting with, and what to expect. #2 Do your homework. There are two big complaints we hear from recruiters and hiring managers around interviewing fresh graduates. First, the interviewee (that would be you) knows NOTHING about the company. Second, the interviewee (you, again) doesn’t seem very clear about what he or she wants in a job/career. Don’t make these mistakes! To meet this challenge requires a three step process. First, spend a good amount of time researching the company, their products, their target customers and the requirements for the position. Investigate what it is ‘like’ to work there, what kind of people they attract. Second, get very, very clear on who you are, what you want from your career, and what value you have to offer. Third, look for the matches and gaps between step one and step two. Will you fit in? Will you enjoy working there? Where do you meet their requirements and where do you not? Go into the interview with eyes wide open to the possible issues and concerns that you both may have. #3 Prepare your ‘tell me about yourself’ answer As this is often the first question in an interview, it is critical that you’ve got this answer down and practiced so that it doesn’t sound memorized. What you say in your answer will often influence the next questions during the interview. Keep it under 30 seconds, make sure that it connects with the needs of the position, and always end with a question to the interviewer. #4 Learn how to answer interview questions. And Practice. Practice doesn’t make perfect, but practice makes improvement. There are a lot of very common interview questions, and you COULD get a list of these and memorize an answer for each one. That will work up to a point. But they’ll sound memorized (which won’t make you sound very ‘real’ or ‘honest’), and you’ll most likely stumble on the first unexpected question. So having a strategy for HOW to answer ANY QUESTION is a much better method of preparation. Need help? Read the article "New Grads - How to Survive Your First Interview" Types of questions will include “tell me about a time when….”, “what would you do if…”, “What is your greatest…” and the all intimidating “greatest weaknesses” inquiry. Be prepared by thoroughly analyzing your background and develop ‘stories’ that portray your skills and qualities. Click here to go to Page 2

Job Search Strategies for College Grads

Job searching during the recession can be difficult, especially for new graduates. Here are some excellent, detailed job search strategies for new graduates that are very useful. Discussed are tips for interviews, resumes, cover letters, where to search for jobs, and what general mistakes to avoid. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKMf7wJERO4&feature=PlayList&p=982C96A161EEF00B

7 Industries New Grads Can Find Jobs

Here are seven industries that are actively hiring soon-to-be graduates: Federal Government Jobs: Become a Spy -- or a Paper Pusher New government programs and an aging staff (a large number of whom are expected to retire in the next five years) makes the U.S. government the go-to place for jobs, says John Challenger, CEO of outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Federal government agencies are projected to hire 5.7% more college graduates this year filling a total of 1,024 positions, according to the NACE's survey. Among the agencies recruiting is the Central Intelligence Agency, which is looking for students with research and analytical skills for intelligence analyst positions and the National Security Agency, which is looking for students with information technology skills and quantitative skills to help prevent cyber threats, according to Skip Sturman, director of career services at Dartmouth College. Accounting: Crunch Numbers for the Big Four Crunching numbers all day may not seem like a college kid’s dream job, but the benefits of pursuing a job in accounting can really add up. After all, plenty of companies are trying to get their finances back on track and adjust to new administration’s tax changes, says Challenger. The Big Four accounting firms -- KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young and Deloitte -- have been recruiting graduates for entry-level positions, such as audit assistants and business analysts. Ernst & Young says it has already hired 2,600 graduating seniors, enough to meet its current needs. However, the other three firms are still hiring. PricewaterhouseCoopers says it's aiming to fill 3,000 positions. To find accounting/finance jobs, click here. Engineering: Become Part of the Green Movement -- or Work on Battleships Guess what engineering students? All of those long nights studying (while your friends were off partying) are about to pay off. President Obama's stimulus package, as well as his push for alternative energy use, is going to require plenty of engineering muscle: from environmental engineers who can help develop solar panels, wind power systems and car batteries to civil engineers who can develop and work on infrastructure projects. Defense contractors are also hiring. BAE Systems, which builds military aircraft (among other things), is hiring electrical and mechanical engineers. And General Dynamics' NASSCO Shipyard is in the process of hiring seniors nationwide, some of which will help build Navy ships and commercial oil tankers. To find engineering jobs, click here. Computer Science & IT: Be the Brains Behind Corporate America Technology is constantly evolving -- and therefore there's almost always demand for information technology staffers, says Jack Kleinhenz, CEO of Cleveland-based economic-consulting firm Kleinhenz & Associates. For example, Reynolds and Reynolds, which manufactures software for car dealerships, has several openings throughout the country including software developers and desktop support positions. And Technisource, which provides IT services currently has openings for technical support and help desk agents. To find computer science & IT jobs, click here. Management Training: Learn the Industry from the Ground Up That liberal arts degree isn't a total waste. Various companies are looking for business or liberal arts students to fill their management training programs. Rental car agency Enterprise Rent-A-Car says it plans to hire 8,000 college grads by July, many of whom will start out at a rental branch in a customer service position and, within a year, move up to assistant manager, according to spokesperson Lisa Martini. L’Oreal and Macy’s are also seeking graduates to join their training programs, says Trudy Steinfeld, executive director New York University's Wasserman Center for Career Development. To find management jobs, click here. Transportation and Delivery Services: Getting Things from Point A to B In this field, where companies are looking for people to track inventory (among other tasks), holding a Bachelor's degree will give you a leading edge over the competition. UPS, for example, is hiring supervisors who oversee package handlers and clerks. And C.H. Robinson Worldwide, a global provider of transportation services, has entry-level positions that include call center dispatchers, managing shipper and carrier relationships, tracking load status and negotiating rates. Nonprofits: Using Your Degree to Give Back Cash-strapped consumers may be feeling less charitable these days, but nevertheless nonprofits are still hiring -- and they offer grads an opportunity to learn skills that will serve them well in future jobs. New York-based Citizen’s Advice Bureau, which provides food, healthcare and education to low-income families, has several positions that soon-to-be grads qualify for, including case managers that work within its homeless services division and job retention and community outreach specialists. Also, the Peace Corps is looking for recruiters. Did you find this article useful? If so, subscribe to our newsletter to get more free resources. Deal of the Day by AnnaMaria Andriotis (Author Archive) Published April 16, 2009 http://www.smartmoney.com/Personal-Finance/Employment/7-Places-Where-College-Grads-Can-Find-Work/

How to Write Your Resume (for new grads)

I'm a student who has no applied experience. How do I go about writing a resume that will make me look good, even though I lack job experience? The approach for a student resume is really no different than the approach of a resume of a CEO with 30 years of experience: 1. Identify the type of work you want to do. 2. Identify the skills and criteria prospective employers are hoping to secure in potential candidates (information usually learned via job ads, networking, company and industry research, etc.). 3. Include everything about yourself that is relevant to the above. 4. Leave everything else off. Potential employers don't expect students or new graduates to possess vast amounts of hands-on or applied experience. Employers view education as a training ground. As an entry level candidate, your new employer expects to invest in your training, in order to prepare you to successfully perform the functions necessary for the position. The expectation is that you're capable of accomplishing this training in a specific period of time and will be a contributing employee as soon as possible. What your college degree shows is that you're trainable and that you've secured the rudimentary skills and knowledge necessary for a particular field. What to include: Personality characteristics and work ethics important to the job. keep in mind that employers are looking for "attitude," "character," "motivation," and "leadership" traits in the entry level positions they fill. So even if your only job was flipping burgers at the local hamburger joint, if you showed up for work on time, applied your best efforts, treated the work like it mattered, were an asset to your employer and the customers you served, and you worked well with your co-workers - then you can show a prospective employer that you are the "type" of individual who is well suited for the job. You can achieve this by leading your document with a summary section that highlights those skills and characteristics you possess that will allow you to excel in the position or industry you're targeting. These can include: communication or interpersonal skills, time management abilities, problem solving skills, analytical abilities, computer proficiencies, etc. Look at the ads you're targeting - what types of characteristics are they hoping to secure? Another very good way of helping to identify these natural abilities is to ask yourself "What made me choose this field? What is it about this type of work that appeals to me? What part of this work do I look forward to doing most? Why do I think I'm going to be well suited for this role or industry?" People who hate working with numbers and calculations are unlikely to pursue an education or position as a Certified Public Accountant. There must be something about the field you chose, the education you pursued, and the type of work it encompasses that attracted you. Most people excel by doing work they enjoy - work which encompasses some natural ability, interests or inclinations. Educational achievements - including course lists. If your primary selling feature is your education, then it makes sense to lead your document with your educational achievements, even if you have unrelated work history to include. Including courses completed can give your reader a greater sense of the value of your education. Including your GPA, if high, can also add value. Later, as you gain more relevant, valuable career experience, including this type of information will become less important. Example: EDUCATION Drake University, Des Moines, IA February 2009 Bachelor of Science degree; Accounting Minor in Business Administration / GPA 3.4 Coursework included: Cost Accounting; Advanced & Intermediate Accounting; Business Finance; Corporate Accounting; Income Tax; Auditing Principles & Procedures; Sarbanes-Oxley Act; Government Accounting; Not-for-profit Accounting; Marketing; Database Management; Business Administration; Ethical Decision Making. Jobs, internships and all relevant experience. This includes experience gained through internships and/or any positions held where your primary responsibilities included skills directly relevant to the positions you're now targeting. Think about skills that may be considered "transferable." Imagine, for example, someone who has decided to change career direction from the medical industry (previous positions held in medical office administration) to computer programming and information technologies. He or she has gone on to get a degree in computer science. If this person now decides to focus their search on IT positions within the medical industry, then all his/her previous medical experience has some direct relevance, and actually gives this individual an edge over other new IT graduates who are targeting positions in the medical market, but who have no applied experience in the medical field. Unrelated paid experience with a focus on transferable skills. If you've held unrelated positions, chances are you have still gained relevant, transferable skills. When you are writing your statements of responsibility for these positions, focus your statements on those skills and responsibilities that contain the greatest value and relevance. Don't forget to include your achievements. For example, if you held positions in the past that included "customer service," and customer service skills are valuable to the positions now being targeted, then this is a transferable skill. If you were able to increase sales or profits because of your skills in customer service, or if you were able to secure long-term customer commitments, this is an achievement. Other transferable skills can include "time management," "problem solving," "team projects," etc. Unpaid experience, such as community or college service, with a focus on transferable skills. Related experience doesn't have to be paid experience. What matters is that you possess the applied skills, not that you were paid for your services. Your reader will be interested to learn how your efforts and contributions benefited those you served, and how the skills gained through these experiences may now benefit future and potential employers. If you're a finance major, for example, and held the position of Treasurer for a campus organization, that's related experience - even if it's unpaid experience. Did you find this article useful? If so, subscribe to our newsletter to get more free resources. By Sue Campbell, 1st-Writer.com http://www.1st-writer.com/newgraduate.htm

Job Hunting with Facebook - new grads take note!

Use these simple steps add Facebook groups to your job hunt networking strategy! The overall strategy revolves around a simple logic. Social networks are SOCIAL. Thus, join the conversation and network! Before you join the conversation, be aware of the image you project to potential employers or anybody that can help you meet potential employers. It is important to know how to manage your personal branding on Facebook in order to maximize your chances to be hired via the social network. Where are the conversations? Conversations are everywhere, on people’s walls, in private messages, on event walls, on picture comments, ect. The important thing is to have a strategy. There is so much happening on Facebook, it can be overwhelming. Stay focused. What do you want to do with Facebook? Find a job? Ok. What kind of job? In a certain field? A certain position? Write it down on a post-it and stick it on your monitor, because Facebook can be quite distracting. Use the Search Function Look for groups related to the field that interests you. Some Facebook groups are even dedicated to certain professions. If you have a certain company in mind that you would like to work for, search for the company’s group. Join the Conversation! Talk to the people on the group’s wall. If there are no conversation (which is very likely for most groups), look up the members in the group and send them private messages. Facebook groups are a gold mine of resources. Initiating Conversations Through Private Messages How you approach these people is very important. There is a certain etiquette you must follow. Nobody likes to be solicited and you don’t have time to waste. Here are a few suggestions: • Be genuine, honest and transparent. • Introduce yourself and state your intentions. • Be aware that you are entering somebody else’s private space and be respectful. I like to mention where or how I stumbled on their profile, i.e., that you saw they are members of a certain group or they listed their job in their profile. This introduction doesn’t need to be more than 2 or 3 sentences. • Explain your situation and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Suggestions to consider: Ask about the best ways to get a foot in the door in their field. Ask if they can suggest resources or organizations for you to explore for information. Ideally, mention something that you have learned about them that you admire or make a connection. (For example, “I see you attended the University of Illinois; so did I!” or, “I read your article about ______ and was thrilled to find you on Facebook.”) Be sure to offer something in return. (I produce podcasts as a hobby, and I’d be happy to share my expertise if you’re interested.) Limit yourself to 1 or 2 questions per message. Facebook can help you contact men or women who are currently working your dream job or in your field of choice. It is a great way to ask for informational interviews. If your contacts are geographically close to the area where you would like to work, be sure to solicit them for an informational meeting. I don’t recommend sending over 10 private messages per day because Facebook might flag you as a spammer and you can get your account suspended. My suggestion is to send around 5 to 7 private messages a day and spread them throughout the day. Facebook is a great self-promoting tool, especially if you are creative and know how to manage your image. For instance, www.onedayonejob.com created a job search experiment using Facebook ads. The idea was to target potential employers and have the job hunters become the hunted. Be creative and respectful and you may be surprised by the results! Happy hunting!

Did you find this article useful? If so, subscribe to our newsletter to get more free resources. http://www.keppiecareers.com/2008/11/13/using-facebook-groups-for-job-hunting/

Free as a Bird - Financially: 3 points recent grads should know

After I was hired, I had gone a little crazy. Because I would soon be earning a steady income, I figured it was safe to spend some of my future earnings. My car — a silver 1983 Ford Escort — was a piece of junk. I didn’t think it made sense to repair it. Fortunately, the bank gave me a loan for a new car. I bought a 1992 Geo Storm. Then, using credit cards, I bought an entire wardrobe of business attire and a Super Nintendo. “It’s okay,” I kept telling myself. “I have a job. I’ll be able to pay for this.”

Now, with the benefit of hindsight, my mistakes are glaring and obvious. If I had the ability to speak with the J.D. of 1991, I would give him just three pieces of financial advice:

1. Establish an emergency fund.
2. Avoid consumer debt.
3. Save for retirement.

There’s more to personal finance, of course, but these three tips will get a young person started on the path to financial freedom.

Establish an emergency fund
I was 35 years old before I learned the power of an emergency fund. If I had an emergency fund in 1991, I could have repaired my Ford Escort instead of taking out a loan to buy a new car. If I had an emergency fund, I would not have been so tied to my job — I would have been able to afford to quit.

Recent graduates should establish a rainy day fund as soon as possible. Save $1,000 to start — you can add more later as your income and responsibilities increase. This money is for emergencies only. It is not for beer. It is not for shoes. It is not for a Playstation 3. It’s to be used when your car dies, or when you break your arm in a touch football game.

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New Grads - How to Survive Your First Interview

So you're about to graduate from college and you are looking to land that dream job with all the benefits: paid vacation, sick days and a decent starting salary. But how do you get hired? And how do you negotiate all those perks? We talked to Adele Cloutier of the Minneapolis South Workforce Center's Employment Ready U. She offered these dos and don'ts for how to conduct yourself before, during and after an interview. Prepare Make sure to research the company you are applying with and look for what they need and not what they want. Cloutier says this allows you to prepare a list of qualifications you have that would fit into their environment. When you get an interview, prepare a portfolio. The portfolio should include your best work, teacher recommendations, proof of extracurricular activities and awards. Any other accomplishments should be noted. Bring a copy of the job description and several copies of your resume, each printed separately. "Don't Xerox them," Cloutier says. You want to bring enough for each person to have one during the interview. "Bring a list of your references along, but don't volunteer them. Wait to see if they are asked for," she says. Be prepared with questions. At the end of an interview, a potential employer will ask if there is anything else you want to know. Come prepared with two to three questions to ask; otherwise, you'll seem uninterested, Cloutier says. A simple note card tucked away in your portfolio will help you organize your thoughts and make you feel at ease. The interview Cloutier advises interviewees to answer questions concisely and conclude with, "Does that answer your questions?" or "Is there anything else you needed to know about that?" This allows you to answer completely. Keep your answers short and simple -- not so short that it seems you are hiding something, but not too long-winded, either. If you are worried that you may not have enough job experience, Cloutier says there are other ways to build yourself up when competing against applicants who have already worked in the field. "Talk about coursework or classroom experience," Cloutier says. "Pull in other experiences that may be minimized on your resume or talk about experience that you may have left out of your resume that is applicable to the job." Finish strong By the time you finish the interview, you'll have an idea of whether you want the job. "If you don't want the job, thank them, but tell them you're not interested," Cloutier says. "This does them a favor and prevents an awkward situation for you in the future." This way you leave with dignity and honesty. But if you are interested, Cloutier says, there is one final question to ask before you leave the interview: "Do you have any hesitations about my background?" "The resume is only a snapshot of your life and this question gives you a chance to plug in the holes," she explains. And it gives you the benefit of immediate feedback. The only thing left is to ask for the business cards of each person at the interview. "You will never get all these people in the same room again," Cloutier says. The cards also will come in handy when following up with the company. The follow-up Within 24 hours, an interviewee should send a handwritten thank-you card to the interviewer. This demonstrates your ability to follow through and shows that you are thoughtful -- useful attributes in any job, Cloutier says. Never send an electronic version. E-mails come across as impersonal and even unprofessional, and could easily be deleted or blocked. "Get an innocuous kind of card. Don't go goofy," Cloutier says. "Don't get hot pink, chartreuse, cartoon characters. Show that you're an adult." If you send a card, you're already going to stand out. The card should be three to four sentences long, thanking the recipient for the interview and stating that you look forward to hearing back. You could also insert a letter if you wanted to write more complete answers to questions you felt you weren't thorough enough on during the interview. Cloutier warns to never exceed one page, however, so keep it short and to the point. Negotiating So they loved you and want to hire you right away. Now what? You want to make sure you get what you deserve, and Cloutier offers techniques for asking for the right salary, vacation time and other benefits. Not all jobs have a negotiable salary, but if you're sure yours does, Cloutier advises you do it. Start by asking others in the field what they think would be an appropriate starting salary for someone with your experience. Avoid going to online salary checkers, because in an economy like this, Cloutier says, that information could be outdated. This is a face-to-face interaction. Never negotiate through e-mail or over the phone. "It will be a lot easier for someone to hang up on you than to get up from their chair and leave their office," Cloutier says. Follow this conventional wisdom: He who mentions money first, loses. Meaning, wait for the employer to bring it up. When negotiating salary, always ask for a range, never an exact amount. With a range, it is assumed you are asking for the midpoint. Cloutier points out that salary may not be the only thing you can negotiate. You may want to take a lower salary in exchange for more flex time or a three-month review vs. a six-month review (which would increase your chances of getting a raise earlier). Other negotiable items are parking fees, varying hours or shifts, or even child care. "Be comfortable with silence," Cloutier says. "The person who is most uncomfortable with silence will be the first to break it," and thus be at a disadvantage. This could be a touchy time for negotiating, Cloutier warns. "I don't know how successful these techniques will be in this kind of market. [College grads] might have to take what they can get for now."

Did you find this article useful? If so, subscribe to our newsletter to get more free resources. By Karrah Anderson Star Tribune, Minneapolis Publication: Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota) Date: Wednesday, April 22 2009 http://www.allbusiness.com/labor-employment/compensation-benefits/12412792-1.html

Top 10 Cities for New Graduates

While there’s relief that classes are over, exams have been taken and term papers turned in, what lies ahead for the Class of 2009 is an extremely challenging and competitive job market. For new grads who plan to expand their job searches beyond their college or hometowns, Apartments.com and CBcampus.com just released the “Top 10 Best Cities for Recent College Graduates.” The list is based on the ranking of the top U.S. cities with the highest concentration of young adults (age 20 – 24) from the U.S. Census Bureau (2006), inventory of jobs requiring less than one year of experience from CBcampus.com (2009) and the average cost of rent for a one bedroom apartment from Apartments.com (2009). According to Apartments.com and CBcampus.com, the top 10 cities for new grads are: 1. Indianapolis Average rent:* $625 Popular entry-level categories:** sales, customer service, health care --> To find jobs in Indianapolis click here! 2. Philadelphia Average rent: $1,034 Popular entry-level categories: sales, customer service, management --> To find jobs in Philadelphia click here 3. Baltimore Average rent: $1,130 Popular entry-level categories: sales, customer service, health care --> To find jobs in Baltimore click here 4. Cincinnati Average rent: $691 Popular entry-level categories: sales, customer service, health care --> To find jobs in Cincinnati click here 5. Cleveland Average rent: $686 Popular entry-level categories: sales, marketing, customer service --> To find jobs in Cleveland click here 6. New York Average rent: $1,548 Popular entry-level categories: sales, customer service, admin-clerical --> To find jobs in New York click here 7. Phoenix Average rent: $747 Popular entry-level categories: sales, customer service, marketing --> To find jobs in Phoenix click here 8. Denver Average rent: $877 Popular entry-level categories: sales, customer service, health care --> To find jobs in Denver click here 9. Chicago Average rent: $1,133 Popular entry-level categories: sales, marketing, customer service --> To find jobs in Chicago click here 10. San Antonio Average rent: $696 Popular entry-level categories: sales, customer service, management --> To find jobs in San Antonio click here If you are considering expanding your job search to other cities, here are some tips: • Contact an alumnus from your college who lives in that city and join your alumni chapter if there is one. • Get an insider’s perspective by familiarizing yourself with the local media and other resources. Read up on the city’s business and community news. • Develop a list of companies within the area and learn about their businesses and company cultures. • Register with a national recruitment agency; interview with a recruiter in your local office and have that person put the word out to other offices in your target cities. • Consider spending a few days in your desired city to learn more, network and set up informational interviews. In your applications and cover letters, tell hiring managers the dates you’ll be in the city and available to interview. Although this is a challenging market for new grads, remember: Attitude can be the key to your success. The reality is that the job search will take longer for these new grads thrust into the “real world” but the right mind-set can make you resilient.

Did you find this article useful? If so, subscribe to our newsletter to get more free resources. By Kate Lorenz on May 6, 2009 http://www.theworkbuzz.com/job-surveys/top-10-cities-for-new-grads/

Featured Job Posting - Entry Level Network Engineer

Position Entry Level Network Engineer Description THE COMPANY Fannie Mae exists to expand affordable housing and bring global capital to local communities in order to serve the U.S. housing market. Today, our focus is on preventing foreclosures, making mortgages and rental housing as affordable as possible, and supporting the housing recovery. We are rapidly building and realigning our company to better serve the market as we support the Administration's Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan. Join our dedicated, diverse, high-performing workforce and put your unique talents to good use as we work with our partners to advance our nation's housing recovery. JOB INFORMATION Under general supervision, develop and maintain corporate client/server or internet/ intranet systems that facilitate internal sharing of data and information and dealing with external customers, providers and information sources. Use standard or optimal models to design or assess the design of the organization?s network of servers, hubs and routers, and nodes. May conduct performance studies on current systems or feasibility studies on prospective enhancements of current systems. Address connectivity with outside systems, intranet systems with multiple locations, and public systems. May plan connections with backup systems and disaster recovery operations with redundant or additional networks. KEY JOB FUNCTIONS Support a local area network, or a segment of a wide area network. Track both use of cabling, servers, routers, power supply and distribution, and network software and its operation. Monitor traffic and the distribution of load over a local area network. Study and measure activity in the network to identify bottlenecks or inefficient operation and to take measures to restore efficient operation. With other staff, deal with problems, work interruptions or slowdowns of activity on the network and take corrective measures. Do relatively simple engineering studies when planning additional power, additional nodes, additional servers and routers to determine cost-effective ways of changing network design or configuration. Run cables and install new equipment; test to ensure it is operating correctly. Provide documentation of network in form of drawings, schematics, or computer assisted design documents so that others on team can understand configuration of network for future troubleshooting or expansion exercises. Qualifications EDUCATION Bachelor Degree or Equivalent MINIMUM EXPERIENCE 0-3 years of related experience SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS Familiarity with TCP/IP Protocol Suite and Internet Security Principles Understanding of network routing/switching principles Working knowledge of the concepts in several of the listed technologies is desirable: Cisco Network Devices Juniper Network Devices Hardware Load Balancers Firewall Technologies Proxy Technologies DNS / Bind Some hands-on experience with several of the application and routing protocols listed below: TCP/IP, UDP, BGP, EIGRP, OSPF, SNMP, HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, FTP, and SMTP Support experience in application and enterprise level a plus. EMPLOYMENT As a condition of employment with Fannie Mae, any successful job applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and to successfully complete a background investigation, which may also include a credit check for positions in some areas of our business. Fannie Mae is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply, visit: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wl/jobs/JS_JobSearchDetail?jobid=28689977&jobSummaryIndex=0&agentID=&xfeed=1&wpsrc=AG0001603

6 Tips to Stay Fit On a Budget

There are many ways to keep fit and healthy without having to spend a lot of money. So get rid of that gym membership and personal trainer if it is causing you to go over budget. Stay motivated and in your budget with these simple tips. Find a workout buddy that can keep you accountable. Maybe a friend or co-worker that has similar goals would be willing to make a plan of action to keep you motivated to stay in shape. If you have a passion for an activity but don’t want to do it on your own, find a club or a group of people that enjoy these activities as well. Many times there are various clubs you can join for little to no cost where you get together as a group. Google search these on the internet. For example: Google search running clubs in your area and you will find various clubs that are free or little cost. This way you will save while also keeping the motivation with the group camaraderie. Join structured group fitness classes that can be quarter the price of personal trainers and gym memberships. If a gym membership is not holding you accountable, and personal trainers are far too expensive, then try utilizing a group fitness program such as a boot camp to keep you motivated. These classes generally range from $10-15 per class and are taught by personal trainers who make you accountable for your exercise. Stop purchasing expensive workout equipment and begin utilizing household items and simple inexpensive equipment, such as: • Soup cans and milk jugs for your strength training needs • A broom stick for stretching and your oblique muscles • A kitchen chair (without rollers) for step ups and tricep dips • Resistance bands for upper and lower body strength training • Dumbbells for a variety of different strength training exercises • A jump rope for your cardio needs Stop wasting money on workout tapes and utilize your cable television channels (that most likely is already part of your budget). Fit TV is now a part of your regular cable channels and has daily workout shows to help motivate, and encourage you to stay in shape. If you have digital cable you can watch your favorite Fit Tv show on demand whenever you would like. You can also tape these shows and watch them whenever you want to get a workout in. Eat smart and healthy on a budget by PLANNING all of your meals on a day when things are slower (such as a Sunday). • Cut coupons for healthy items • Look at the grocery stores flyer and plan out each meal for the week • Portion out all of your food for each day so that you know how much you will be eating – this may seem a little obsessive but it can save you money and can save your waist line. • Go to the grocery store when you ARE NOT hungry to save on purchasing those unneeded cookies.

Did you find this article useful? If so, subscribe to our newsletter to get more free resources. By: Jenny Patza http://www.life123.com/health/fitness/gym/6-ways-to-stay-healthy-on-a-tight-budget.shtml

Job Tips for Out-of-Work College Grads

I graduated from Penn State with a finance degree in 2002, just eight months after Sept. 11. Jobs on Wall Street and in the financial industry were scarce...less so than now, but I remember it was no fun time to enter the workforce. So, fearing rejection I did what many of my scaredy-pants classmates chose to do: duck inside grad school and wait it out. Now as college students finish up their degrees this month, it's like deja vu times ten. The Atlanta Journal Constitution recently mentions how companies plan to hire 22% fewer new college grads this year, citing The National Association of Colleges and Employers. But don't worry. There are fine ways to bite the bullet. Going back to grad school isn't the only alternative. Luckily, grad school worked out for me in the end, but it's a personal decision and just because your friends are doing it, doesn't mean you should. For one, it's pricey. On average, grad students owe about $30,000 upon completing a master's program, according to Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions. And who's to say you'll even get in? I know you're wicked smart, but competition is rising. Princeton, for example, saw 2009-2010 applications go up 10% and The University of North Carolina is reporting a 9% rise in graduate applicants. As you read along, know that the bottom line here is you want to stay active and relevant. You want to be able to "show off your time-off." Just because you don't have a full-time job earning $50,000 upon graduation doesn't mean you're road kill. As you go about your job search, invest in yourself and your employability by considering these options: Be A Glorified Intern. There's no shame in taking on yet another internship, even after graduating from college. Be a glorified unpaid intern, even if it's for just a few days a week. This will put you in the face of decision makers, and when the economy recovers you're likely to be among the first to get hired. That said, some employers only take on interns that can receive "school credit" so be prepared for that. As an alternative, suggest that you come to "shadow" or "volunteer" for a couple days a week. Labor laws will limit exactly how much work you can take on for "free," but there is value in coming in early, staying late and showing initiative. Volunteer. Spend a few days volunteering at a non-profit where you can invest your time and add experience and skills to your resume. Not to mention, it's a great way to network and give back to the community. This is a popular alternative right now. Teach for America's applications, for example, are up 40% this year from college students. Work Out a Deal with Mom and Dad. Volunteering or "working for free" is a hard way to pay all your bills. As a result, living back home with mom and dad or boomeranging is a fast-growing option for young adults. According to the 2007 US census, 55% of men and 48% of women ages 18 to 24 are shacking up with their parents. This can be a great way to make ends meet, but parents you've been warned! Do your kids a favor and stay strict. Set your expectations, have a time-line of when you expect junior to be independent and give him chores. Make him earn the financial benefits of living at home, so he won't be too tempted to return when he's 40 and divorced. Go Abroad. There are paid programs overseas, particularly in developing nations, that will pay college students to teach English. I have a friend who is going to South Korea to teach English starting this fall, after getting laid-off last summer. He figures it will be a way to learn a foreign language, make money, have a unique international experience and spend time away while the job market in the U.S. picks up. Keep Your Profile Updated Online and Off. Sure, social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter and resume hotspot LinkedIn can help further your job search, but don't forget the importance of face-to-face or voice-to-voice contact with your friends, relatives, mentors, neighbors, fellow alumni, etc., people may be able to point you to insiders at companies. Make sure to keep your career services department at your college updated on your whereabouts and how your job search is going. And definitely join your local alumni chapter to keep in touch with fellow classmates. Graduating from a school with 50,000 students at any given time, my PSU alumni family has been an invaluable resource for me. To learn about opportunities check The Fulbright Program's web site and TransitionsAbroad.com Enrich Yourself. Visit museums and galleries, read more books, learn 50 ways to cook salmon, start drawing, go through old photo albums, exercise more, help an old lady cross the street, have conversations with strangers, go to the movies in the middle of the day and heck -- watch Millionaire Matchmaker, Dancing with the Stars and whatever guilty pleasures on TV you have but never had time to watch. Indulge in life. It will make you more interesting and a cooler person in the interview room.

Did you find this article useful? If so, subscribe to our newsletter to get more free resources. Farnoosh Torabi, May 1st 2009 http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/05/01/career-tips-for-out-of-work-college-grads/

Job Hunting 101

"If you thought calculus and Russian lit were a challenge — wait till you hit Job Search 101. It’s a tough market out there for new college grads. All indicators show that companies are hiring fewer new grads than in 2008. “It’s tough, but not impossible. There are always opportunities,” said Jason Aldrich, director of the Career Management Center at the Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University. Cory McDade and Jason Brown are proof. Both are Georgia State graduates in hospitality. McDade will be the general manager of Figo restaurant in Decatur. Brown has been hired on the development team for the luxury Loews Hotel coming to Midtown. Michael Holtgrewe, a Georgia State finance/accounting graduate, will start an internal analyst job with Accenture in June. “I know I’m fortunate,” said Holtgrewe, who has been preparing for the job search for 18 months by polishing his résumé and taking advantage of extracurricular career-related activities. “It’s really competitive out there now, so you’ve got to learn to market and differentiate yourself,” he said. Focus and take action This isn’t the time “to freeze up or put your head in the sand,” Aldrich said. “Take action, because no employer is going to come find you. Make a plan, and work your plan.” “When I ask students what work they want to do, some will say ‘anything, I’m not picky,’ ” said Ralph Mobley, director of career services at the Georgia Institute of Technology. “That’s a bad answer. If you try to tackle the universe in your job search, you’ll end up spinning your wheels.” First identify your specific job market — the kind of work you want to do, and the industries and companies where your skills and abilities would be a good fit. Research, then search and apply strategically. Expand your network “With industries and companies identified, step back and think about who you, your parents, their friends and your professors might know in that field, and begin to make contacts,” Aldrich said. Use your college career services center. “Georgia Tech alums can get advice, search our jobs listings and come interview up to two years after they graduate,” Mobley said. Many schools offer career services for alumni. Create an inexpensive business card that lists name, college, career field and contact information. You can print skills and abilities on back. “It may be easier to start networking using a platform like LinkedIn —the professional extension of Facebook,” Mobley said. Join a professional association to meet people in your field. “A meeting is less intimidating than a cold call,” Mobley said. “Volunteer to serve on a committee; do a good job; get noticed.” Prepare for interview “Students tend to relax and try and wing it when they get an interview,” Aldrich said. “You need to prepare like it was a final exam. Research the company and Google the boss, so that you can have an intelligent conversation. It’s your job to let a company know how you can help them. An interview is about the value that you can bring, not what they can do for you.” Outside the box Accounting students may be thinking big accounting firms, but all industries need accountants. “The CDC just called needing 30 people with an accounting background,” Aldrich said. “You need to fish where the fish are. Look at industries that are growing.” Healthcare, education, the government, defense and energy are some of the bright spots. Consider an unpaid internship or a part-time job in your field as a stepping stone. Sustained effort “Stay dedicated to the search, two-to-three hours a day for three months and the momentum will build. You’ll find something,” Aldrich said. Mobley reminds students that they have advantages: They’re less expensive to hire than experienced workers, and they bring fresh skills that companies want and need.

Did you find this article useful? If so, subscribe to our newsletter to get more free resources. By Laura Raines For the Journal-Constitution Sunday, May 10, 2009 http://www.ajc.com/hotjobs/content/hotjobs/careercenter/articles/2009/05/10/job_search_graduates.html

Featured Job Posting (Nov 2, 2009)

Sales of Bank Owned Properties/REO Company: Sellstate (Cranston, Rhode Island) Posted: November 1, 2009 Address: RHODE ISLAND AND CONNECTICUT Cranston, RI 02920 Occu: Sales & Marketing Type: Full-time, Part-time, Contract, Permanent Description: HELLO, ARE YOU IN SEARCH OF A CAREER THAT IS GROWING? INTERESTED IN SELLING BANK OWNED PROPERTIES? WILL EDUCATE IN EVERY FACET OF THE BUSINESS, AND HELP YOU BUILD A BUSINESS PLAN FOR SUCCESS, OFFERING THE MOST UP TO DATE TECHNOLOGY AVAILBLE. RETIRMENT INCOME AVAILABLE IN 7 YEARS. NO MULTI LEVEL MARKETING CRAP. RHODE ISLAND AND CONNECTICUT, CAN REFER YOU TO OTHER COMPANY RECRUITERS IN 20 OTHER STATES. WE HAVE INVESTORS THAT NEED YOU TO ASSIST THEM IN BUILDING THEIR REAL ESTATE PORTFOLIOS. INTERVIEWING NOW. PLEASE SEND RESUME AND BEST DAYTIME CONTACT PHONE NUMBER. To apply, please visit: http://newgradlife.jobamatic.com/a/jbb/job-details/153043

7 Job-Search Mistakes New Grads Make

This year's crop of college seniors is, unfortunately, graduating to a soft job market. A weak economy means fewer opportunities -- and greater competition for every single opening. Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps, says, "In today's employment environment, there is less room for error when looking for your first career opportunity." Don't let one of the following seven missteps cost you the career of your undergraduate dreams.


1. Keep It to Yourself When you're looking for work, you want your burgeoning network to know it. Messmer, author of "Job Hunting for Dummies, 2nd Edition," advises, "Spread the word about your job hunt to everyone you know, including family members, friends, professors and former coworkers." Make use of online networking sites and reach out to your local business community and staffing firms. 


2. Treat Every Opportunity Equally One resume does not fit every job opening, so don't use the exact same document or cover letter when you apply to different companies. States Messmer, "Tailor each resume and cover letter to the particular opportunity, and try to obtain the name of the hiring manager so you can personalize your cover letter. A little detective work can go a long way in helping you stand out." 


3. Make Careless Errors Proofread. Proofread. Proofread. Every document you send to a potential employer must be error-free. Go through your resume, cover letter, emails, thank-you notes, and any communication with a fine-tooth comb to make certain they don't contain typos or grammatical errors. If you're not a grammar guru or lack an eagle eye, Messmer suggests, "Ask a detail-oriented friend to review all of your job-search materials." 


4. Don't Do Your Due Diligence When applying for a position, go beyond the job description to find out about the company as a whole. A little online research can go a long way, according to Messmer. He says, "Applicants who uncover beyond-the-basics knowledge of the job and the company are better able to communicate specific ways they can contribute to the organization's success." 


5. Air Your Dirty Laundry Before you meet someone in the flesh, online image is everything. Pictures of you goofing around with friends may seem funny, but they also may lead a recruiter to question your judgment, especially if they are salacious in nature or show you doing things that are illegal. Messmer urges applicants, "Don't post anything that would appear unprofessional (think spring break photos, rants about a former employer, etc.) to a hiring manager or recruiter." 


6. Act Casual Once you begin your job search, make certain that you're acting like the professional you aspire to be. States Messmer, "Keep land line and cell phone voice-mail greetings clear, professional, and succinct. Likewise, avoid using off-color or overly cute email addresses or signatures." 


7. Forget Your Manners You probably won't get every job you pursue, but it is important to be gracious to everyone you encounter on your journey to employment. "Express appreciation to everyone who helps you in your job search, whether or not their efforts on your behalf are successful. Also be sure to send thank-you notes to every hiring manager you meet," he says.


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Job Sites Reviewed - a fantastic read!

I'm sure you know about all the famous job sites, simplyhired, monster, dice, the list goes on. As a new grad, you've probably used most of them. But how do they stack up when reviewed by job-seekers? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each site? In this post we take you through the Top 6 sites related to job search and analyze each so that you will be able to understand their full potential and use them wisely. Best job search engine SimplyHired.com • Aggregates results from other job sites • Multiple search options • Can send resume to other major sites • Networking features • Cannot post resume directly to site Analysis SimplyHired.com is reviewed by two major sources: Searcher magazine, which compares this job search site to Indeed.com, and PC Magazine, whose writer offers a glowing write-up of the site. BusinessWeek readers voted SimplyHired onto its list of top websites, but no commentary is offered. SimplyHired.com aggregates results from major job websites, newspapers, company websites, associations and other online sources. Employers cannot post jobs on SimplyHired; this site is strictly for job seekers. Users can search by occupation, job title or location, and results can be filtered by job type, education, work experience, company revenue, company size or niche characteristics (like fastest-growing companies). After using the site for a while, reviewers note, you'll receive job suggestions based on your search criteria. You can't post your resume here, as you can on Monster.com or Yahoo! HotJobs, but a free feature allows you to send your resume out for posting on five other job sites. SimplyHired has partnered with LinkedIn and also has features and widgets that allow users to connect to Facebook, Myspace, and iGoogle for greater networking possibilities. Features: Resume Posting? N Career Advice? N Types of jobs? All Best large job search site Yahoo! HotJobs • Can see how many times resume has been viewed • Lets you block resume access by specific companies • Multiple search options • Not as many job postings as Monster.com Analysis TopJobSites.com, JobHuntersBible.com and ResumeHelp.org all compare Yahoo! HotJobs to other large job search sites, and recommend it as a top choice. The Wall Street Journal mentions HotJobs in an article about job site trends and notes how fast it is growing despite the slow down of competitor supersites. Yahoo! HotJobs ranks below Monster.com in sheer number of listings, but reviewers say HotJobs' features are more appealing. Users like the "status" feature that allows you to see how many times your resume has been viewed (Monster has a similar feature), and if you're afraid that your current employer might find your online resume, HotJobs allows you to block certain companies from accessing your profile. You can browse this site by keyword, industry or state, and there are tools for resume writing, interviewing and networking. You can also subscribe to newsletters that cater to particular segments of the market, such as technology, government, sales, health care and college grads. Features: Resume Posting? Y Career Advice? Y Types of jobs? All Best job site for technology fields Dice.com • Targeted to IT professionals • Helpful discussion forums • Tech-centric career advice • Not appropriate for non-IT jobs Analysis Both PC Magazine and About.com's guide to web search recommend Dice.com for job searchers seeking employment in the information technology industry. Users and reviewers say Dice.com is the best job site for positions in the information technology industry. Reviewers like this site's straightforward interface, and say industry-specific niche sites in general work better than mega-sites like Yahoo! HotJobs or Monster.com in matching up employers with job seekers. Dice.com also offers advice on writing resumes and obtaining IT certification, as well as a variety of discussion forums. Experts say you should consult several sites when conducting a job search. Other good bets are SimplyHired.com and CareerBuilder.com Features Resume Posting? Y Career Advice? Links to resume and advice sites Types of Jobs? High-tech jobs only Most popular job site Monster.com • Most job postings and resumes of any job site • Can block resume from being viewed by current employer • Multiple search options • Numerous "junk" postings; no way to filter Analysis As the biggest job search site, Monster.com is reviewed by a number of sources, including Star Reviews, TopJobSites.com, JobHuntersBible.com, AskMen.com, LoveToKnow.com, and About.com. All compare the pros and cons to other job sites and most rank Monster very high. The biggest job site online, Monster.com features over 1.1 million job listings from companies and over 41 million resumes from job seekers. Monster offers advice about resumes, interviewing and salary negotiation, and the Privacy Plus feature allows you to block specified companies from viewing your resume, keeping it confidential from a current employer (Yahoo! HotJobs was first with this feature). Monster Networking hooks up job-seekers in the same industry, and Monster Learning is a directory of online degree programs. Still, while Monster.com has the widest scope, some users and reviewers complain that many of its listings are "junk" posts from headhunters and agencies; competitor Yahoo! HotJobs allows you to filter these posts out. Features Resume Posting? Y Career Advice? Y Types of Jobs? All Aggregator job site CareerBuilder.com • Pulls job listings from newspapers, not other job sites • May turn up unique listings • Not as wide a selection of jobs as major job sites Analysis CareerBuilder.com is analyzed by TopJobSites.com and Workforce Management magazine, which judge job sites by traffic and popularity. This job site is also reviewed by Star Reviews, JobHuntersBible.com, AskMen.com, and by About.com's guide to job searching. CareerBuilder.com pulls job listings not from other job sites like HotJobs.com or Monster.com, but from the pages of major newspapers -- so a search on this site might turn up something unique, especially if you're looking for work in a major metropolitan area served by one of these newspaper chains. Job search experts say it pays to visit as many sites as you can, so CareerBuilder is worth a visit, but any search here should be supplemented by looking at a major job site like HotJobs.com or Monster.com. However, CareerBuilder's future may be uncertain as one of its major owners has filed for bankruptcy. Features Resume Posting? Y Career Advice? Y Types of Jobs? All Best online classifieds Craigslist.com • Large variety of freelance and part-time opportunities • Little to no duplication on other job sites • Many unreliable or dubious job posts Analysis JobHunt.com and About.com both review the pluses and minuses of Craigslist, concluding that it's an effective online job search option when used carefully. Craigslist.org's job board is like a local newspaper's classified ad section, with listings broken down by state and metropolitan area. Employers can post for free or for a nominal charge, so a broad variety of full-time, part-time and freelance positions are listed. The large job search engines like Yahoo! HotJobs and Monster.com are usually blocked from gathering ads from Craigslist, so opportunities posted here won't show up elsewhere. On the downside, reviewers say, the low bar to employer job postings can result in a profusion of shady or unreliable job opportunities, so extra caution is required when responding to ads. Features Resume Posting? Y Career Advice? Y Types of Jobs? All

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Featured Job Posting (11/1/09)

Quality Engineer, Entry level Strong Co-op background in manufacturing or fabrication 1-3 years experience Degree: any Required local candidates only, no relo assistance To apply, please visit: http://chicago.kijiji.com/c-Jobs-Everything-else-Quality-Engineer-Entry-level-W0QQAdIdZ164908624?src=simplyhired&mpch=ads