Career Marketplace Blog

In his article for the Wall Street Journal, Hobbies Help at the Job*, Dennis Nishi shows readers how their hobbies and/or volunteer work can lead to career success.

Benefits mentioned in this article:

• Explore job possibilities through volunteer work
• Gain valuable skills and work experience
• Have confidence to help with company projects.

*Click link to read full article

WSJ article, Making an Easy Re-Entry Into the Work Force*, Diana Middleton has helpful advice for job seekers returning to work after a layoff.

Middleton offers to following advice to ensure a smooth transition.

• “Pay attention to what skills seem most in demand”
• When your new co-workers ask about your work history – “simply tell them where you worked, explain that you got caught in a round of restructuring and that your job was one of many cut.”
• “Find out who the most influential people are in the office, and who can help get things done.”

*Click link to read full article

The Career Services office at the University of Tennessee ask employers, “What qualities are you looking for in potential employees”?

What qualities do employers look for?

Universal qualities employers are looking for:

Enthusiasm
Strong Work Ethic
Well Rounded Experience

Sarah E. Needleman of the Wall Street Journal shows us Big Blunders Job Hunters Make*. Needleman speaks with human resource professionals who reveal startling mistakes job seekers have made during the interview process.

Avoid making these mistakes at your next interview:

From Pamela J. Sampel, PopCap Games Inc. – Candidate asked if she could take him out to lunch stating, “He was a poor student and that I could just write it off.”

John Campagnino of Accenture Ltd. recounts, a candidate “unwrapped a sandwich during an interview and asked the hiring manager if he could eat it since it was lunchtime”.

Executive Recruiter with East Wing Search Group, Russ Riendeau recalls, a candidate “told the interviewer he was worried about how his saltwater fish would get fed while he was away”. The candidate was interviewing for a senior sales position that involved travel.

Other mistakes mentioned in this article:

Candidate sends the recruiter a gift – this is a huge no-no. Recruiters cannot accept gifts and will likely take you out of consideration.

Applicant’s  parents attend the interview – Employers expect that you will handle your job search yourself.

Remember to use your best judgement and stand out in a positive way. Read on to find more embarrassing interview mistakes you should avoid.

*Click Link to Read Full Article

In their article for Forbes.com, 10 Job-Hunting Tips From People Who Found Jobs*, Helen Coster and Seth Cline interviewed job seekers who recently landed a new position and what they did to win a job offer.

Helpful Job-Hunting Tips from this article include:

• Reach Out to Companies You Admire
• Focus on Quality, not Quantity
• Write Blog to Show Off Your Expertise

To find more helpful tips, check out the slideshow, In Pictures: 10 Job-Hunting Tips From People Who Found Jobs.

*Click link to read full article

Maria Hanson of LiveCareer News exposes, 13 Weird Workplace Excuses. According to the article, “About one-third of workers call in sick with fake illnesses or for other not-so-legit reasons“.

Excuses mentioned in this article:

• “My pants won’t close.”
• “I thought today was yesterday and that I had another day.”
• “My front door won’t open.”
• “A mouse ate my truck.

Read on to find more odd excuses and which ones are actually true.

In honor of the holiday weekend, please enjoy classic interview clips courtesy of NBC’s hit comedy, The Office.

The Office Interview

In this slideshow for Forbes Magazine, Helen Coster gives you 10 Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Career.

Tips in this article you can start today:

• Update your Resume
• Clean off your desk
• Clean up your online reputation

Follow the link above to learn more tips and read Coster’s full article.

In her Wall Street Journal article, Boom Times for Young Workers*, Jonnelle Marte reports, “many young professionals have been handed new responsibilities typically reserved for employees with more work experience under their belts”.

The article points out that young professionals should take advantage of this opportunity to develop their career at a more rapid pace.

Click the link above to learn how young professionals can benefit from added responsibility.

* Click link to read full article.

An interesting article from NEWSWEEK, Millennials: The Workers of the Future, shows how Millennials (Generation Y) are navigating the current job market.

Like most Americans, Millennials are having a difficult time in the current job market. In a survey conducted by Pew Research Center, 41% of workers ages 18-29 reported having a full time job in 2010. This number is down from 50% in 2006.

Not to be discouraged, Millennials appear to be taking a freelance approach to employment. According to the article, millennial workers gain experience through temporary positions and internships.

Other ways Millennials have seized the job market:
Provide their own health insurance and retirement
Start their own business
Promote themselves using Social Media and Blogs

This proactive approach allows younger job seekers to stay competitive in the current job market and pursue opportunities that interest them.

What are you doing to seize the job market? Tell us in the comments section.