go-to-work.com Blog

This is your coach, the originator of Go-to-Work.com. I received a message from Rick at ReferenceUSA.com which confirms how their employer database can dramatically boost your job search results. Here’s the low down from Rick –
“Hey GTW – thanks for acknowledging ReferenceUSA as an awesome resource for anyone looking to find the Hidden Job market – use ReferenceUSA to verify contact coordinates (Address/Phone) are correct. If your Library has ReferenceUSA, ask if they have contacted their ReferenceUSA Rep about a Hidden Jobs Workshop — here’s a success story that shows using this resource and adapting a new strategy really works! http://www.startribune.com/jobs/career/71696782.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUo8cyaiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU
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Check it out – you will get results !
Coach

When Searching Jobs on Craigslist.org:
1. Never send credit info, money, SS#, address
2. Use a secondary email address. Beware of employers’ using gmail.
3. Beware of employer with no telephone or address
4. Type in employer tel # or name into Google. Check for complaints.
5. Try a free site like http://www.go-to-work.com, or go directly
to the employer’s web site.

The inside story on Craiglist Spam. Read it here..
http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20080523/0327151211.shtml

Thanks to Jim for posting that comment to my last post regarding a nationwide employer database. The best site seems to be http://www.ReferenceUSA.com. It is FREE if your local library subscribes to it. . .
Now, since the Super Bowl is coming up, I am reminded of what a football commentator said about the Bucs of 2003: they’ll have to get back to the basics. I thought Super Bowl champions should already know the basics, right? But it serves as a reminder that we all forget about the basics when we are overwhelmed with technical details and advice. In the job search field there are many books and experts with advice. All good to know, but don’t forget to run spell check on your resume and also have a friend review it for errors.

This is an open question: Where can you find jobs? You tell me. One solution would be a big database with all U.S. employers. By accessing this database you should be able to find all employers in any area of the U.S.. And filter your search for employers of a certain type–for example all publishers in an Orlando, Florida zip code. That would be exactly what you need to focus on in your job search inquiries. You could send letters or resumes to a specific group of employers and know that you’ve covered them all. You could make a list of their web sites and check for vacancies daily. If you know of such a database please share it here.

President Bush advises job seekers to stop crying and hit the street. He has stated that Americans should get off their duffs and find a job! “McDonalds is hiring – what’s wrong with that?” he asks. He states that he already has a job (even though he doesn’t need one being a multi-millionaire). He seems to imply that you should do what he did…analyze your assets and adapt to change. (Failed businessman runs for political office.) Well he’s right about that part. Adapt or die. However, does this mean to run down to McDonalds? No, that’s not adapting; that’s giving up. The President says that you can work your way up the ladder. That can be true, but it does not mean you stay on the same ladder. If you plan to open your own restaurant someday, then working at McDonald’s may be a very good idea. Learn from what works.

If you have few choices and just need to earn an income, always go after the job that has the most intangible benefits to you, a place where you can learn some new skill or meet plenty of people to network with. That is how to work up your ladder. So, should you take a “McDonalds” job if nothing else is available? My opinion is: only as a last resort. Much better to find a small business where you can work with the owner and learn every aspect of the business. Then you’ll have a real education. —————-

Attention is either negative or positive. Employers want to see something positive. You resume is sometimes all that represents you in your job quest. I once was invited into a CEO’s office to review some resumes for a forthcoming vacancy, about a dozen or so. I was amazed at the poor quality of what I saw from people with degrees from A.A. to Ph.D. In the end, the winning candidate was one with an average-looking resume, but one with a personal touch and good details of his knowledge and accomplishments.

It is critical that you get some feedback on your resume. There are plenty of sample resumes in books. Go to the bookstore to the career section. One popular book is the Adams Resume Almanac. Your local library has these type of books.

Generally, you can’t go wrong with these FIVE rules of resume writing:

Feel free to submit a comment for your own list of “the five most important resume rules.”

Mastermind – one who is the creative intelligence for a project.
This blog is a chance for each visitor to lead, teach, or follow in useful advice. The site www.go-to-work.com was created to supply links that bypass the fluff and quickly direct you to local and nationwide job postings in city, state, federal or private categories. But I’m sure you need more. Post your questions or needs here. Those who have learned the hard way are encouraged to leave comments on solutions and suggestions to help others in their job search quandaries. Since March of 2008, hundreds of job seekers have visited the site…now is the time to share your successes and tips for newcomers!
(P.S. – It is easy to post a comment today — no name or email address is required … click Comment below)