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Job Search Across Generations

September 30, 2012 by

When a baby boomer friend was searching for a job, his elderly dad said “Look in the newspaper classifieds”. Since I haven’t picked up a newspaper in quite a while, I’m not sure they even still have job listings there.

With so many people unemployed in all age ranges, it made me curious how they each conduct their job searches. I was surprised to hear that Boomers use social networks more than Gen X and Gen Y, who tend to go with Google +.

All generations value job security, which seems to be harder to come by these days. Boomers tend to gravitate towards more meaningful work, while millennials value a higher salary and more flexibility.

Job seekers in all generations spend between 5 and 20 hours a week looking for a job. As a small business owner and freelancer I spend twice that amount of time looking for work, because the minute you finish one job you have to start looking for the next one.

What surprised me the most is that 95% of all job seekers in all generations were searching online, while spending only 5% searching offline. This leads me to think that we’re losing the ability to connect to a real, live human being. People are actually surprised when I call on the phone.

I still believe the best way to get a job is by meeting someone face to face. The one thing you can never get across in a text or email is personality. If I’m hiring someone, that’s the number one thing I want to see.

 



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Summer Job Search

May 27, 2012 by

The Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial end of spring and the beginning of summer. Many job seekers think the summer is a bad time to look for work, but it’s actually a perfect time to network, which is probably how you’re more likely to get a job anyway.

Though hiring may slow down in the summer, the amount of social activities goes up. This is a great opportunity for you to get out and start networking now. Of course, there is a right and wrong way to do that. People attend social functions to get away from work. They want to relax and spend time with family and friends. And that’s how you should approach it too. Use this time to get to know people without constantly bringing up the fact that you need a job. I know it’s hard to do, especially if you’ve been unemployed for a long time. But don’t seem desperate. Instead, think about ways you could help that person. How can you bring value to their life?

Another good way to network at social events is to put on on yourself. Or find a way to work a job where you will be in contact with a lot of people. One of the best ways I used to meet important people was by working as a bartender at events. Everyone comes up to the bar. And I was in a different position than just someone walking around the party. Suddenly I was at the center of the party and everyone came over and talked to me. I made a lot of new contacts AND I got paid to do it. You can just as easily volunteer your time to help out the host of the party. In fact, you should do that anyway.

Another way to insure you will meet everyone at an event is to be the person checking people in at the door. It’s much easier to be in a fixed position where others come to you than it is to have to walk around and introduce yourself. If you’re shy to being with, this is a great way to get over it and meet a lot of important contacts.

Summer is also a great time to brush up on your skills, spruce up your resume, and do some research on the companies you want to target.

Since your job search right now should be your full time job, don’t even think about taking time off until you get your first vacation under your new job. Just remember, your competition may not be taking time off and neither should you. You can always rest later.



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Half of Recent College Graduates Un or Underemployed

April 24, 2012 by

You’ve paid your dues in college for the past four years. Maybe you have been working a part-time job to pay off student loans, while you pull all-nighters studying for finals. You expect all of the hard work to pay off with a good job in your chosen field.

But reality these days is much harsher. New data shows that half of all recent college graduates are either unemployed or underemployed, working as waiters, cashiers, retail clerks and bartenders, most barely making over minimum wage and many still living at home with their parents. This is the highest unemployment rate for college graduates in over 40 years.

College graduates are now just as vulnerable to unemployment as a high school dropout. 35% of those with advanced degrees have been unemployed for over a year.

Many of the future job prospects tend to be in industries like the home healthcare market which relies on an actual human instead of automation. The jobs that can’t be outsourced like dentist or doctor will be more in demand in the future.

Job prospects for college graduates with a bachelors degree fell to their lowest levels in more than a decade. Over 53% of those college graduates under the age of 25 were either unemployed or underemployed. And that number doesn’t seem to be changing. The higher end and lower end jobs are doing better than the ones in the middle, which have been hurt the worst.

The college students with degrees in teaching, accounting, and nursing were more likely to find jobs than their counterparts who graduated with philosophy or art history degrees.

The Helrich Center at Rutgers University did a study recently. They asked college graduates if their first job was a career. If they graduated before 2008 30% of them said yes. If they graduated after 2008, the number dropped to 22%.

So, what is the solution? As someone that didn’t go to college at all and has never gotten a job with a resume, my solution has always been that you have to create your own opportunities. I’ve always started at the bottom and looked at every job as a learning experience. Even the worst jobs will teach you something. And believe me, I’ve done some pretty horrible jobs, like picking out burnt potato chips on an assembly line or working in the field picking tobacco.

Life will always throw you curveballs no matter what kind of degree you have, no matter what your circumstances are at the moment. The average person changes jobs and even careers many times throughout their lives and with the new job market, changing jobs and careers will become the new normal.

 

 

 



Filed Under: Unemployment Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Should You Try Temp Work?

April 23, 2012 by

I remember temp work being office busy work, like answering phones and filing. But today temp work has evolved into much more. Today the temp work field is a multi-billion dollar market with jobs as diverse as security guard and even paralegal.

If you’re unemployed, any job can be better than no job. But doing temp work can be more than just a stop gap on the way to something better. These days plenty of people are hired for full-time work by starting as a temp. It’s a good way for you to test drive a company and a good way for them to test drive you as an employee. You’ll find out if you really want to work for the company or not.

Sign up with several different agencies as long as they don’t have any kind of exclusive policy. Make yourself available for work if it does come up. Call in on a regular basis and let it be known that you want to work. One thing many temp workers forget to do is supply their current contact information. Make sure you can be reached.

Keep an open mind about the kind of jobs out there. There is almost always something about any job that you learn from. Also keep an open mind about pay and hours. Remember, it’s just temporary unless it turns into something more.

If you like the idea of flexible hours and a variety of different jobs, temp work may be perfect for you. It allows you the chance to learn new job skills and meet new people. The down side is that you don’t have the security of a regular job. But these days, not many people do anyway. And you may not get the same benefits as a full-time employee.

Temp agencies do more than just help you get work. They can also help you with your resume and career guidance.

If you’re unemployed you should constantly be updating your skills and training. The more skills you have, the easier it is for the temp agency to sell you.

Sometimes the only way to get into a company might be through a temp agency that has a good relationship with them. They know what the company is looking for and can provide them with a perfect match. Always remember that you are representing the temp agency, so be on your best behavior and show up with a good attitude. You never know what kind of job it could turn into. You might be very surprised and end up with a dream job.

 

 



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Youth Unemployment

March 1, 2012 by

The latest statistics reveal that youth unemployment is the worst it’s been since World War 2.45% of people 16-29 are unemployed.

According to New York Magazine “one in five young adults now lives below the poverty line”. And it’s not just in the U.S. Young people in Europe have been going through similar situations. Their numbers are just as bad, if not worse. 51% in Spain and almost the same in Greece.

As I read through their stories, and hear similar stories from the college students in my neighborhood it’s pretty sad. Most are stuck with mountains of student loan debt that just keeps piling up. Many have finally come to the realization that they will have to wait tables or take jobs at Starbucks if they want any spending money at all.

Since I didn’t go to college, but instead went straight into the job market, I did all of those jobs anyway. But without the student loan debt. Living in NYC and working as a waiter/bartender wasn’t easy, but it was a job. And I was headed in a different direction, being an entrepreneur, so college wouldn’t really prepare me for that anyway.

In a recession it’s just going to be understood that you have to do whatever you have to do. Getting a job is easier if you already have a job, even if it’s not in your field and is way beneath what you expected. Start somewhere. It’s better than nothing. When you’re young no one expects you to have the experience yet. It’s a time you can experiment.

But it could always be worse. Youth unemployment in Somalia is 75%



Filed Under: Networking Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Create Your Own Job

February 4, 2012 by

Unemployed? Underemployed?

Hate Your Job? Sending out resumes with no luck? Unemployment checks running out?

“Stop waiting for someone to GIVE you a job and… CREATE your OWN job!”

There are hidden opportunities all around you, BUT…
I’ll tell you how to find them!

Whether you’re looking for a new job or you already have one and you’re looking for something better, you have to face the harsh reality of just how bad the job market is these days. The bad news is that the job market probably isn’t going to change anytime soon.

More than 45% of all unemployed workers have been unemployed for more than 6 months. This is the highest since the Great Depression. And it may take years to get those numbers down. In this unstable economy, job security is a thing of the past. What this means to you is…

… you need to start thinking like an entrepreneur.
The good news is that there are opportunities all around you! There were opportunities even during the Great Depression. You just need to know how to look for them. They’re not going to come looking for you.

And — you’re not going to find them on a job board. But, this is going to require a new way of thinking. You’re going to have to wipe the slate clean of the typical way of becoming employed. “Go to college…draft a resume…submit it online…cross your fingers and hope it works”. If that actually works for you, then you don’t need this webinar. But if you want to try a new way of thinking, a new way of working, a new way to make sure you are never, ever unemployed again, then read on.

HIRE YOURSELF
Creating your own job means no more resumes, no interviews, and no rejection.
After getting fired from my last job, I started creating my own. Here are some of the jobs I’ve created or had created for me:

  • $500 a night working the coat check in a fancy restaurant
  • $2500 a month as a corporate publicist working 4 days a month
  • $2500 a month just to be on call as a spokeperson
  • Hanging out with celebrities at Cannes, making over 6 figures a year
  • $200 a day reading scripts
  • $40 an hour transcribing

What do all of those jobs have in common? I got all of them without a resume, interview, agent, recruiter or HR. None ofthem were on a job board, classified ad or online. And I didn’t have any experience or training for any of them.

I got them all by using the techniques
I’ll teach you in my seminar.
I want to help as many people as I can … so this webinar is priced so that anyone can afford it.  At $59, you can’t afford NOT to do it.  Just compare:

  • It’s about the price of a dinner and movie date, but it will help you create a source of money to pay for your NEXT date.

 

  • It’s a little more than the cost of a tank of gas, but with no source of income, gas won’t take you as far as creating a future for yourself.

 

  • It’s less than the cost of a resume consulting service.  Only you won’t need a resume to hire yourself.

Here’s what you’ll learn in the “Create Your Own Job” webinar:

 

  • The 3 ways to guarantee you will never be unemployed again … with more work than you can handle, even in the worst economy

 

  • How to create a job or jobs specifically designed just for you

 

  • The 2 jobs everyone should always have, even if you work for someone else

 

  • How to get other people to create jobs for you

 

  • How to market your skills for little or no money



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Age Discrimination in the Job Market

December 24, 2011 by

I recently participated in a Linked In poll on discrimination in the job market. The question was “What type of discrimination, if any, is prevalent in today’s job market?” The answers were “younger, older, women, race/ethnicity, and unemployed”. The final answer from an overwhelming number of participants was “older”, with “unemployed” coming in second. It broke down into 50% for older, 26% for long term unemployed, 12% for race/ethnicity, 7% for women, and 5% for younger job seekers. This shows that the older and longer term unemployed are finding this current job market especially brutal and unforgiving.

In 1967 the Age Discrimination in Employment Act was signed which protects people 40 years or older from age discrimination in the workplace. It applies to companies that have 20 or more employees, including government employees. The protections include apprenticeship programs, job notices and advertisements, pre-employment inquires, and benefits.

But even with these laws in place, it still doesn’t stop the rampant ageism that continues every day. Stereotypes are deeply engrained. Older workers are seen as being slower to change, even though many older workers are actually very open to change and are quite tech savvy. Employers think they’ll be hired for only a short time and after they’ve gone through training will leave the company to retire, even though people are postponing retirement for many reasons.

Demand for higher wages is another misconception. Older job seekers will work for less money, especially in a tough recession. Health issues weigh heavily on the minds of employers, who may feel older workers will take more sick days and not be able to do their job. As with anything, there may be a grain of truth to that, but the fact is that people are living longer and older workers have much to contribute, such as years of knowledge and experience younger workers don’t have yet.

And just as older workers could be stuck in their ways, so can younger workers. Disease and accidents affect everyone and can happen to younger workers as well. Also, younger workers may be even less likely to stay with the company and more likely to demand higher wages.

Older workers are disproportionately encouraged to take early retirement and are more likely to be affected than younger workers.

Even though older workers have much to contribute to the workplace, ageism is likely to go on in the job market. If you are one of those that is over 40 and out there looking for a job, don’t be discouraged. There is a company out there that will value you and will be better off for taking that chance on you.

 



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How to Stay Confident in Your Job Search

May 28, 2011 by

The longer you remain unemployed, the easier it is to lose your confidence. And that can affect your chances of getting a job. It also allows desperation to creep in. But changing the way you look at it can change your attitude.

Instead of focusing on the negative, focus on the positive. Figure out what you really shine at and only focus on that. Believe in those abilities and in yourself.

Ignore the competition. You don’t have any. Everyone is unique with unique skills, personality, and qualifications. Figure out what makes you unique and let everyone know about it.

Hang out with people that believe in you and your abilities. Ask them what they think you’re good at and get a “you can do it” boost from them from time to time.

What can of skills do you lack? What could you become better at? Learn some new skills, both for your career and personal. It’ll give your self-esteem a lift and give you something new to add to your resume.

Reward yourself for little successes. Do something you enjoy that takes your mind off of your job search. Then come back with a new perspective and renewed energy.



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Fun Job Fair @ Belmont Park – San Diego, CA

March 3, 2011 by

Fun Job Fairs was created as an alternative to the job fair mills. It’s limited to 100 job seekers so you get a chance to spend 2 hours with the HR reps bowling, having fun, and getting them to know you and like you. No more standing in line for hours for 30 seconds with an HR rep. Includes bowling, snacks, mini seminar, and free ebook.

This unique and fun job fair is at Belmont Park. Limited to 100 job seekers. Spend quality time with HR reps in a fun environment. Play mini golf, lazar tag, etc. with HR reps.



Filed Under: Events, Networking Tagged With: , , , ,

Unemployment Stress

February 26, 2011 by

We know how stressful unemployment is for the job seeker. But what about for the job seeker’s spouse and family? In a paper published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, a recent study examined the stress felt by married couples where one spouse was unemployed and the other wasn’t.

Associate Professor Maw-Der Foo of CU Boulder’s Leed’s School of Business studies workplace issues and relationships. The stress from the unemployed spouse tends to affect the one that still has a job.

The study is helpful to counselors and psychologists in being able to spot and reverse the problems before they escalate .



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