CAREERS NOW 01-20-10

Tips From Pros To Boost Search Results

DEAR JOYCE: I see you write about job search issues. Would you consider printing our job tips for both employed and unemployed people? We are one of the world's largest search and recruitment organizations. Thanks - Tony McKinnon, MRINetwork President.

As your company's press release says, you're huge - 950 franchised offices in 35 countries. But that's not the sole reason why I think your 45-year-old organization must know plenty about connecting people with jobs and why I'm happy to share your new tip sheet.

The big reason why I'm passing it on: Of the thousands of top employment professionals whom I've interviewed over the years, a countless number once worked for MRINetwork (formerly known as Management Recruiters International). At a time when job openings are at a record low - the number has dropped about 50 percent in two years - help from professionals with trench experience is welcomed. Here's the MRINetwork tip sheet.

1) UPDATE YOUR RESUME. Review and strengthen your resume in the mindset of "What did I actually achieve in each position?" or "How did that add value to the company?" If possible, quantify achievements in dollars, percentages or timelines.

2) EXPAND YOUR CONTACT LIST. Join and participate in a couple of industry associations. Make sure to gather business cards and follow up by phone or email with new contacts.

3) MAKE SURE YOU ARE FINDABLE. Ensure that employers and recruiters can find you on social networking web sites such as LinkedIn and on job boards, including CareerBuilder.com and Monster.com.

4) CHECK YOUR CREDIT SCORE. Make sure your credit score is up to par as more and more companies are checking this during the hiring process.

5) SELF-ASSESS. Ask yourself "What's important to me in a new job opportunity?" as you plan your next career move. Factor in type of work, industry, compensation, location, environment and size of company.

6) IMPROVE YOUR NETWORKING SKILLS. Professionally network with as many people as possible by contacting current friends and acquaintances, re-connecting with former colleagues and bosses, joining social networking sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook, and attending social gatherings in your business community including free seminars and Chamber of Commerce functions.

7) IMPROVE YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH. Get yourself into the best physical health possible and "fluff up" your image. Eating healthy, getting plenty of rest and fitting some exercise into your routine is important so you present the best in body, mind and spirit. "If you're unemployed, you could be a bit bored, feeling lost and even depressed, and if you're employed, you could very easily be overworked, tired and stressed out.

8) SEARCH FOR RECRUITERS. Research and contact recruiters specializing in your industry of interest. If you're currently employed, send an updated resume with a cover letter expressing that you are not unhappy with your job but would like to be considered for good job opportunities.

DEAR JOYCE: How does one prepare to become a nurse? - K.T.

To become a registered nurse (RN), you have three RN nursing program choices: a two-year associate degree at a community college; a three-year diploma program at a hospital or independent school; or a four- or five-year program at a college or university. Licensing exams follow.

Follow up on these Web sites: American Association of Colleges of Nursing, www.aacn.nche.edu; American Nurses Association, nursingworld.org; Discover Nursing, discovernursing.com.

DEAR JOYCE: Students who attend out-of-state public colleges get soaked for tuition - maybe three times as much as in-state students. How can I find out about "reciprocity agreements" between states? - K.C.

See Lynn O'Shaughnessy's blog about the topic on TheCollegeSolutionBlog.com.

Also browse for the four major regional programs, which list the states they include and details: Academic Common Market, Midwest Student Exchange Program, New England Board of Higher Education Regional Student Program, and Western Undergraduate Exchange.

Email Joyce
Sorry, the volume of mail makes personal replies impossible.