Don’t have any prospects for a job interview? Try setting up some informational interviews. A great way to grow your network and gain knowledge, informational interviews can be a gateway to your next professional opportunity. Use these tips to maximize their potential and drive your career forward.

Don’t Push
Jason Seiden, the author of How to Self-Destruct: Making the Least of What’s Left of Your Career, advises professionals to make sure the prospect is open to the notion of an informational interview. “My advice is not to pursue people who aren’t interested,” he says. “It’s like the same rule from referrals or college recommendations. If you have to ask twice, abort.”

Go in with Goals
Be sure to stick to your agenda. “The job seeker has specific goals, which may be to get a realistic assessment of the market and/or the job seeker’s qualifications for the currently available positions, or names of hiring managers, or tips on which professional associations to contact regarding meetings or job banks,” says Linda Carlson, a Seattle-based author and marketing consultant.  

Connect Quickly
“The key to a successful informational interview is establishing a human connection and mutual interest quickly,” says Nancy Ancowitz, a business communication coach in New York City. “The more the job seeker does her homework by researching the company and the interviewer, shows gratitude and expresses genuine interest, the better.”

Be Genuine
Career-changer Charlene McNary, who blogs about her job search and has been on several successful informational interviews, stresses the importance of asking for information, not jobs. “If you focus on just looking for jobs, the person you’re interviewing will feel used, and you’ll get nowhere,” she says.

Mind Your Manners
Based on a few negative experiences from granting informational interviews, Carlson states, “The job seeker must be professional, courteous and appreciative of any help provided and pick up the check for coffee, lunch or breakfast, etc.” Don’t ask your interviewer to pay for — or even split — a check.

Reap References
“When job seekers go on informational interviews, they should request referrals from the interviewer for additional people who may be willing to meet with them,” says Sharon Reed Abboud, a career strategist and author of All Moms Work: Short-Term Career Strategies for Long-Range Success. “Then, they should meet with those people and request additional referrals. It is not a waste of time. Even if they do not receive a job tip, the job seeker’s network will expand outwards like a web.”

Keep Time on Your Mind
Job search mentor Roberta Chinsky Matuson urges interviewees to mind the time. “If you ask for 15 minutes, then that is all you should expect,” she says. “If it appears you are running over, inform the person that it looks like your time is just about up. If need be, ask for permission to ask one more question — and wait until permission is granted before doing so.”

Location, Location, Location
While some folks may request an out-of-office chat, Duncan Mathison, speaker and co-author of Unlock the Hidden Job Market, says in-office settings are usually better for informational meetings. “Lunch or coffee is expensive for tight budgets and the setting is often noisy and distracting,” he says. “In addition, the person with whom you are interviewing will be closer to their important information in their office — company information, contacts, their computer to send introductory emails and so forth.”

Offer Up a Helping Hand
Career expert Barbara Safani, author of Happy About My Resume: 50 Tips for Building a Better Document to Secure a Brighter Future, advises job seekers to ask if there is anything they can help the other person with. “This deepens the relationship and makes the conversation less about them,” she says. “When there is reciprocity and a genuine effort to help each other, the job seeker is less likely to come across as desperate.”

Show Your Gratitude
“Soon after the interview, be gracious and send a thank-you note to the interviewer and, if applicable, the person who connected the two of you,” Ancowitz adds. “Also, remind yourself that it’s important to have many irons in the fire when looking for a job and this is just one of them.

http://career-advice.monster.com/job-search/professional-networking/10-ways-to-make-the-most-of-an-informational-interview-hot-jobs/article.aspx

With the New Year comes a revitalized spirit, gusto and determination to enact your plans and make your dreams happen. With the evolution of career search over the past few years, it’s good to take stock of what will make the biggest impact in landing a job this year.

Some things haven’t changed. It’s still tough out there. Many people are competing for few opportunities. But with the right tools, you can improve your search, broaden your networking opportunities and align yourself with a career that fits your skills.

Here are 10 tips for a successful job search in 2012:

1. Create a job-search strategy. Employers hate receiving applications from candidates who are not qualified for positions. So it’s time to stop using the shotgun approach to your job search. You’re wasting your time, and you’re wasting the recruiter’s time. Carefully read job postings and determine whether you could do most of the tasks required if you started tomorrow. A recent CareerBuilder job forecast reported that employers are not finding qualified candidates for their open positions, so learn how to tailor your existing skills to a job’s requirements and spend time preparing better résumés and cover letters instead of just blasting a generic one to every single posting.

2. Define your goals. It can be challenging to stop and ask yourself, “What do I really want out of a job?” Answers as simple as a paycheck or benefits may be a reality, but the fact is that you do want more out of your job than just cash. Your career needs to satisfy you in more ways than just your pocketbook. By defining what you want out of a job and what you offer as a job seeker, you become better at applying for jobs that are aligned with your overall career goals. By taking the time to define what you want as a job seeker, you can figure out what your best selling points are and the most valuable skills you have to sell to an employer. Make sure your social media accounts are professional if used as part of your search. And if they aren’t, keep them under lock and key, since more and more employers are screening applicants via social profiles.

3. Diversify your search. While employers still use sites like CareerBuilder, many are branching out in multiple ways to connect with job seekers. You should be readily available in each of those channels. Whether it’s through social media or local networking events, use today’s technology to further spread the message about your job search. Today’s job search can be summed up in one word: hustle. The more you switch up your efforts, the more opportunities you’ll come across and the more you will place yourself ahead of the pack. Also, know your industry and what trends are happening. Manufacturing companies may still have you apply in person, whereas digital advertising agencies may expect a much more elaborate electronic portfolio available via the Internet.

4. Evaluate your skills and add more. Perhaps your skills aren’t up-to-date with most of the jobs you are seeing in the market, or perhaps they are a little rusty. Brush up on your skills with online courses or community classes. You could also consider going back to school full time. Government funding and other programs are available for out-of-work job seekers who want to enroll in training or continue their education to better position themselves in the current workforce.

5. Be unique. You already know that defining your goals and skills can help set you apart from the competition. When an employer asks, “Why should I hire you?” you will already have a list of your best qualities. As you come across jobs that you feel confident about, do something that will help you stand out and be memorable to the recruiter or human resources manager. Dig around, and before applying, find out the name of the hiring manager or someone who heads up the department the position is in, and contact him directly. Use the information on LinkedIn to your benefit. Reach out with a brief introduction, and let him know you’ve applied for the position and you hope to be in touch. After applying, it never hurts to follow up with a company via social media to share your excitement about the position.

6. Listen. Searching for a job can be tedious, and you can get so focused that sometimes it’s easy to forget to listen, research or monitor conversations. Pay attention to how employers are communicating about jobs via social media and through their websites and how you can speak to them in their own language. Connect with other job seekers or career experts, and see what methods you can adopt from their job-search strategies. Join Twitter chats and online career fairs to connect with more employers and broaden your network. Just be sure that while you’re out selling yourself, you take the time to listen to how others are finding success in their search.

7. Set goals. The overall goal may be either get a job or get a new one, but when you break that big goal down into smaller goals, you set yourself up for more success and less frustration. When you only look toward that big goal, it can be disheartening when it takes a long time to achieve it. Choose monthly goals such as joining professional organizations or volunteering at a nonprofit that will allow you to flex and use your skills. When you are able to create a to-do list and hold yourself accountable for achieving these goals, you’ll feel better about yourself. That initiative can be shown off in your job search and interviews as a great example of your character. By forcing yourself to focus on small goals, you continue networking with new individuals who can assist you in your job search.

8. Prepare for anything. You can’t always predict when you may get called for an in-person or phone interview, so you should always be ready. Go into an interview with at least five examples that demonstrate your best qualities. When they want examples of real-life successes or things you’d do differently, have them prepared. If you volunteered or taught yourself a new set of skills, be sure to mention this. Rehearse for interviews with mentors or friends so you won’t wing it, which can diminish your chances of portraying yourself in the best way. Leave the interviewer with phone numbers of references who will back you up with recommendations.

9. Positive thinking can lead to positive results. Use your career search as a time to see every situation as a learning opportunity. Of course, every job hunt will have moments of frustration and hopelessness. But don’t give up on yourself or on the belief that the right job is out there. Use the time to re-evaluate your career path, which could lead you to a more fulfilling career. A positive attitude is contagious, and the more positive you are, the more likely others will be to go out of their way to help you.

10. Stay balanced. Job searching can take a lot out of you. Create a schedule or routine for yourself, so you don’t burn out. Make sure you get plenty of rest, talk to friends and family, stay active and allow yourself time to do things you enjoy.

Finding the perfect job is attainable, but you have to put in the work and effort and have faith that you’ll reach your destination. By being proactive, connecting with others and having a can-do attitude, you’ll be able to tackle some of the biggest job-search hurdles in 2012.

Justin Thompson is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2860-Job-Search-10-job-search-tips-for-2012/

By Beth Braccio Hering, Special to CareerBuilder

The interview may be over, but your chance to make an impression is not. Here are 10 strategies to continue boosting your candidacy.

1.  Show that you’re still interested. 

Leave no doubt in the interviewer’s mind about where you stand. Ask for the job at meeting’s end with a phrase such as, “I would really like to contribute to this company and am hoping you select me.” Also, don’t leave the room without a clear idea of what will happen next in the hiring process. Will select applicants be invited back to meet other people? By what date do they hope to fill the position? Such questions demonstrate enthusiasm for the job, and knowing the hirer’s time frame will help keep you from panicking if a week has passed without a phone call.

2.  Set the stage for further contact.

Nobody wants to be a pest, but could your silence as days pass be misinterpreted as indifference? Avoid the guesswork by finding out before heading home what the employer prefers in terms of checking in. Lizandra Vega, author of “The Image of Success: Make a Great Impression and Land the Job You Want,” suggests asking the recruiter about her preferred method of follow-up communication and whether it would be OK to touch base again.

3.  Be punctual.

If you tell the interviewer you’ll send a list of references tomorrow morning, make sure you do it. Keeping your word and answering requests in a timely manner speaks volumes about the type of employee you would be.

4.  Know when to sit tight.

If an interviewer requests that you follow up by phone in a week, respect her wishes. Calling the next day can be construed as pushy and desperate.

5.  Send a prompt thank-you note.

A positive, nonintrusive way to stay on an employer’s mind is to send a thank-you note. Vega recommends emailing one within 24 hours of the interview, then following up with a handwritten note that arrives one to three business days later.

6.  Send each interviewer a personalized, powerful follow-up letter.

This is another chance for you to shine, so don’t waste space with generalities. Ford R. Myers, a career coach and author of “Get the Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring,” recommends including specific references to each person you met and tying your accomplishments directly to the company’s stated challenges. You also can use the letter to introduce achievements that didn’t get discussed and to elaborate on interview answers that you thought lacked punch.

7.  Address one of the company’s needs.

Another effective way to follow up is to act more like a consultant than an applicant. “During the interview, you learn a lot about a company’s weaknesses and/or areas where the company wants to expand,” says Linda Matias, president of CareerStrides.com and author of “201 Knockout Answers to Tough Interview Questions.” “Consider creating a proposal on how you would address one of those areas. Doing so will demonstrate that you have the knowledge and also the enthusiasm to make a significant contribution.”

8.  Keep thinking and learning about the company.

Be prepared for additional interviews or follow-up phone calls by continuing to research the organization and the field. Gain new information about a topic brought up in conversation. Think of additional questions you’d like answered. These actions show the hirer that you didn’t stop caring about the company after the interview was over.

9.  Use outside resources.

Networking should never stop. “If you have contacts and connections with anyone who might influence the hiring decision who actually knows the interviewer, ask her to put a good word in for you,” Myers says.

10.  Accept rejection with grace.

Finally, keep your emotions in check and don’t burn bridges if someone else gets hired. One never knows what the future might hold. The accepted candidate may not work out, or a different position may open up. “If you are rejected, the first thing you should do, ironically, is send a thank-you note,” Myers says. “This will help distinguish you from other rejected candidates and put you in a positive light.”

Beth Braccio Hering researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder. Follow @Careerbuilder on Twitter.

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2680-Interviewing-10-things-to-do-after-the-interview/?SiteId=cbmsnjm42680&sc_extcmp=JS_2680_jobmod

By Robert Half International

There’s a certain art to meeting and greeting people. For a select few, introductions are effortless. If, however, you’re one of the many individuals for whom initiating conversation does not come naturally, the following greeting guidelines can help:

Master the handshake

Almost every professional interaction begins with a handshake, and a good one can help you make a positive first impression, whether you’re meeting a potential employer or a new colleague.

Avoid vigorous arm rattling, a double-handed upper-arm grip or a wince-inducing squeeze, which will make for a bumpy beginning. Instead, aim for a firm handshake and pair it with a pleasant smile and good eye contact. You’ll communicate both friendliness and self-confidence. A proper handshake lasts about three seconds — two or three pumps — starting and stopping crisply.

Embrace formality

To hug or not to hug is becoming a common question in the workplace, especially in offices that have a casual atmosphere. But it’s still best to play it safe by favoring handshakes over hugs when in business settings.

Hugging is often considered an intimate gesture, and not everyone may welcome it. While a quick hug may be appropriate or instinctive in some situations — when you run into a close business associate unexpectedly, for example, or after your best friend in the company receives a promotion — it’s generally best to err on the side of caution when you’re not sure of an “open-armed” welcome.

Sidestep space invaders tactfully

Do you dread meeting with colleagues or clients who are “huggers”? One technique for protecting your personal space is to extend your hand early to indicate you’d prefer a handshake.

Of course, some hugs are impossible to dodge without embarrassing the other person. As manners guru Peggy Post notes: “Sometimes you can’t avoid the contact, and it’s best to grin and bear it; backing away a bit once the person has released you should signal your feelings.”

Introduce in the right order

If you’re meeting with a group, be courteous by introducing yourself to new contacts before exchanging pleasantries with those you already know. Also, always introduce junior-ranking employees to senior-level people, mentioning the person of higher rank first (“Director John Doe, I’d like you to meet our new intern Carl Coffee Fetcher.”).

Win the name game

Have you ever been introduced to someone at a busy networking event only to forget his name five seconds later? You’re not alone. To commit the name to memory and guard against goofs, restate the person’s name (“I’m so pleased to meet you, Charles.”).

To help others remember your name, speak slowly and clearly. If you’re at a conference where a name tag has been provided, stick it near your right shoulder; when you shake people’s hands, their eyes will go directly to the tag.

Show you’re interested

Knowing how to make a perfect introduction does little if you’re not adept at the chitchat that typically follows. Have ready some standard topics that anyone can relate to — weather, traffic and weekend plans are perennial winners.

Also pay sincere attention to what the other person is saying, and make sure your body language reflects your interest. You’re not sending signs of engagement if you’re compulsively checking your smartphone, looking at your watch or scanning the room for others to talk with.

Finally, be mindful that appropriate business greetings vary significantly from country to country. A series of cheek kisses is common in some nations, while bowing is customary in others. Nuances abound. In Japan, for instance, it’s considered impolite to immediately put a person’s business card in your pocket without first studying it.

Before heading into a meeting with international colleagues or embarking on a trip abroad, research the prevailing greeting culture so you don’t inadvertently commit a faux pas.

The bottom line: Whether you’re meeting business contacts from across town or the other side of the globe, use good judgment and do your best to make them feel respected and comfortable in your presence.

Robert Half International is the world’s first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.roberthalf.com. For additional career advice, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/roberthalf.

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2593-Career-Growth-and-Change-An-introduction-to-intros/?SiteId=cbmnsjm42593&sc_extcmp=JS_2593_jobmod

By Alina Dizik, Special to CareerBuilder

It’s easy to get frustrated with your job search, especially if you’ve been searching for a while. But not making headway can mean that you need to reassess your approach. Not sure if your job-seeking process needs a makeover? Here are nine telltale signs that it’s time to rethink your approach.

You’re not hearing back from employers

If you’ve spent months applying and aren’t hearing back from employers, it’s time to reassess. Most likely, you’re not tailoring your résumé and cover letters enough to warrant a response, says Heather Huhman, founder of Come Recommended, a career consultancy. Also, check for other errors, such as spelling, in your documents.

You’re landing interviews but no offers

Not getting an offer means your interviewing techniques could be out-of-date. Do some research to find out what interviewing skills you’re lacking. “Identify your weaknesses during interviews and improve upon them,” Huhman says. “Do this by practicing interview questions with a friend or family member, attending mock interview sessions at a career center or videotaping yourself answering questions.”

You’re reaching too high

While it’s always recommended to go for your dream job, those dreams must be realistic. Applying for jobs “without the necessary qualifications” can be a waste of time, unless you’re willing to take time and build that experience, Huhman says.

You’re focusing on job roles not companies

Instead of conducting a broad search based on function, tailor your search to specific companies where you’d really like to work. “Focusing on five to 10 specific companies of interest in your desired location allows for a much more focused job search,” Huhman says.

You’re depressed

A job search is never fun, but if you find yourself getting sadder each day, it’s a sign that you need a new approach, says Dawn Rasmussen, founder of Pathfinder Writing and Career Services. “If you start to feel down, try volunteering in industry organizations to help increase your visibility, make yourself a known entity and help build skills during a job search,” she adds.

You’re unaware of your Web presence

If you’ve never paid attention to how your name appears online, it’s time to start. “Nearly every HR professional now will check Google and Facebook to research potential candidates,” Huhman says. Complete your LinkedIn profile, check privacy settings for Facebook and Twitter and make sure any other online forums you’ve involved in are appropriate for a professional audience.

You’re not circling back with contacts

Whether it’s a thank-you note after the interview or a simple email to check in with someone in your network, it’s important to keep an open channel of communication with those who’ve been helping you with your search. “No one wants to feel used, so disregarding new contacts after the initial contact is a huge problem that many people don’t realize is killing their job search,” Rasmussen says.

Your network is not helpful

Just because you’re spending your time talking to contacts doesn’t mean these are people who can be useful in your search. Instead, reassess your network and find contacts who are a match for the industry and position you’re trying to pursue — even if it means approaching well-regarded experts. “Swallow your fear and pursue meaningful connections with contacts relevant to your area,” Rasmussen says.  

You’re ready to take any job available

Even if you’re desperate, announcing that you’re looking for any paying job can hurt your chances. Take time to figure out the specifics of your job search and ask for assistance based on these requirements. Even those closest to you who would really like to help feel lost without any direction, Rasmussen says. “Many job seekers fail to understand this basic rule of asking for help: Specifics get you farther in terms of assistance from your network than vague generalities,” she says.

Alina Dizik researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder. Follow @Careerbuilder on Twitter

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2698-Job-Search-Is-it-time-to-reassess-your-job-search-plan/?SiteId=cbmsnjm42698&sc_extcmp=JS_2698_jobmod