http://jobs.aol.com/articles AOL Jobs http://o.aolcdn.com/os/careers/images/AOL_jobs_logo.png http://jobs.aol.com/articles en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/06/17/interview-process-hellish-mess/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/06/17/interview-process-hellish-mess/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/06/17/interview-process-hellish-mess/#commentsBy Donna Fuscaldo

Hiring the wrong job candidate can cost a company serious money, which is why it's all too common to make job seekers go through a multi-phase interview process. It may seem cumbersome or downright annoying to the candidate going through it, but career experts say it's necessary in today's job market.

"Competition is tough, especially for professions where there isn't a skills shortage," says Vinda Rao, the marketing manager at Bullhorn, a recruitment software company. "More and more companies are using personality and intelligence tests to weed out applicants and it usually takes more than just one interview with one person to gauge if someone is a fit."]]>bullhorndonna fuscaldointerview processjob searchmultiple interviewstough interviewsglassdoor.com2013-06-17T07:19:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/28/cover-letter-mistakes/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/28/cover-letter-mistakes/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/28/cover-letter-mistakes/#commentsBy Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter

Some people meticulously write their resume but then treat their cover letter as an afterthought, resulting in a mistake-riddled, dull and underperforming document. It's important to ensure that your job search tool kit is fully equipped with high-quality, well-honed marketing messages that are blunder-free. The following four cover letter mistakes -- and accompanying remedies -- will help sharpen your cover letter saw.

1. Using a generic salutation: While it is not always possible to obtain the name of the cover letter recipient, often, with a little digging, you can!]]>cover lettercover letter mistakeseditingresumesalutationglassdoor.com2013-05-28T07:51:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/13/networking-mistakes/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/13/networking-mistakes/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/13/networking-mistakes/#commentsBy Heather Huhman

Throughout your career, everyone tells you how important networking can be. It's on virtually every list of advice written by professionals in every industry. Yes, networking is important, but many of you are probably doing it wrong.

Here are five bad habits to avoid when networking:]]>networking habitsnetworking mistakessocial networkingglassdoor.com2013-05-13T09:01:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/09/tap-hidden-job-market /http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/09/tap-hidden-job-market /http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/09/tap-hidden-job-market /#commentsBy Heather Huhman

Job seekers are struggling to find positions because so many job openings are never even advertised online. The "hidden job market" is very real, and it's causing frustration among job seekers. You can find these jobs by determining what a company needs.

Here are five ways to uncover those hidden job openings:]]>hidden job marketjob huntingnetworkingsocial networkingglassdoor.com2013-05-09T08:09:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/03/15/impress-hiring-manager-tips/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/03/15/impress-hiring-manager-tips/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/03/15/impress-hiring-manager-tips/#commentsBy Vickie Elmer

Some people want to work for Google more than anything. Others are smitten with 72 and Sunny or Leo Burnett and some are gunning to get a job at Glassdoor or Quora.

Anyone with just two or three employers on their A-list of targets needs a smart strategy to show they're sweet on those companies. Whether you're first connecting around Valentine's Day, Cinco de Mayo or Labor Day, you may woo an employer, hiring manager or recruiter for months or sometimes years. So persistence and professionalism must fit in with inventiveness in your campaign.]]>get hiredhiring managerhiring manager questionsimpress hiring managerjob interview tipsglassdoor.com2013-03-15T08:14:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/03/13/mistake-work-lessons/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/03/13/mistake-work-lessons/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/03/13/mistake-work-lessons/#commentsBy Heather Huhman

Mistakes happen. Let's say you were absent from a high-priority client meeting, dropped the ball on a big account, or maybe even mishandled a large sum of company money. While the scenarios may vary, all eyes are now on you. What happens next?

Making a mistake on the job can be a jarring experience, but there's a lot you can gain from your errors. You might even come back stronger and more knowledgeable than before. By putting a cleanup and prevention plan into play after the fact, you're likely to move past this bump in the road.]]>bad mistakemistake at workrecover from mistakesscrew up at workwork mistakesglassdoor.com2013-03-13T08:15:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/02/27/overweight-hurt-career-discrimination/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/02/27/overweight-hurt-career-discrimination/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/02/27/overweight-hurt-career-discrimination/#commentsBy Donna Fuscaldo

Your weight matters when it comes to getting hired and getting a promotion. No one wants to believe employers are shallow enough to care about how much a person weighs, but study after study points to discrimination against obese job candidates and employees.

"We are living in such a politically correct society where we are deluding ourselves into believing overweight people are not discriminated against," says Steve Siebold, a consultant to Fortune 500 companies and author of Die Fat or Get Tough: 101 Differences in Thinking Between Fat People and Fit People. "Many employers look at obese candidates and immediately think, 'this person failed in controlling their own health, how are they going to run a division,'" he says.]]>career helphurt your careeroverweightoverweight at workweight discrimination at workworkplace discriminationglassdoor.com2013-02-27T08:13:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/02/01/get-promoted-tips/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/02/01/get-promoted-tips/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/02/01/get-promoted-tips/#comments

By Heather Huhman


There are many reasons individuals may be looking to get promoted: the staleness of their current position, the lure of a flashier title, or potentially just a reward for the infinite amount of hard work they've been putting in.

Whatever the reasoning, promotions are never promised. Getting promoted often involves time, effort, energy and patience. But if you've been doing all of the aforementioned and have yet to receive the advancement you've been hoping for, it may be time to assess the situation.]]>get a promotionget promotedgetting promotedgot promotedpromotionglassdoor.com2013-02-01T07:50:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/13/dress-for-success-job-interview/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/13/dress-for-success-job-interview/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/13/dress-for-success-job-interview/#comments

By Vickie Elmer


"Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society." -- Mark Twain

Mark Twain forgot to mention accessories, from glasses to belt and even your coat, can make you appear to be a winner, a leader, a standout -- or else someone who's stuck in decades old items. Your suit may seem fine to you, but the HR manager across from you is wondering why you are wearing something so outdated or ill-fitting.

And while professionalism is crucial for job interviews and networking events, it does not mean boring. "Show a little personality. It's about having you come alive," said Jayne Mattson, senior vice president of Keystone Associates, who helps people explore career options and transitions.]]>dress for an interviewdress for successinterview clotheswardrobewear to interviewwhat to wear to an interviewwork wardrobeglassdoor.com2013-01-13T08:28:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/12/preparing-last-minute-phone-interview/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/12/preparing-last-minute-phone-interview/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/12/preparing-last-minute-phone-interview/#comments

By Heather Huhman


Have you ever had a hiring manager call you and ask if you're available for a phone interview right now? Sometimes interviews sneak up on you - literally.

Phone interviews are commonly used by hiring managers to contact job candidates who aren't local. But, it's not always about location. Employers frequently use the phone interview to conduct a pre-screening for the job, answer resume questions, and establish your basic qualifications and company fit.]]>hiring managerjob interviewphone interviewphone interview tipsvideo interviewglassdoor.com2013-01-12T07:13:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/07/four-reasons-to-turn-down-a-job/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/07/four-reasons-to-turn-down-a-job/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/07/four-reasons-to-turn-down-a-job/#comments

By Donna Fuscaldo


Not all jobs are created equal, which is why you shouldn't feel obligated to accept every offer that comes your way. If taking the job means the difference between living on the street and keeping your house, that's one thing, but if your situation enables you to be picky, career advisors say to do so.]]>career changejob changejob offernew jobnewyear 2013turn down job offerglassdoor.com2013-01-07T07:59:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/02/pay-raise-salary-increase-tips/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/02/pay-raise-salary-increase-tips/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/02/pay-raise-salary-increase-tips/#comments

By Vickie Elmer


If your boss is like most managers, she's probably too busy managing meetings and deadlines and corporate goals to give much thought to your value to the company.

So, you could make it easy for her to give you a substantial raise by preparing a short memo on your value, and how that could show up in your paycheck. Some managers may respond better if you do this in a one-on-one or conversation first, so you get their blessing to make a case for a large bonus or raise.]]>get a raiseget a raise in 2013increase raise sizeno raisepay increasepay raisepay raise 2013pay raise boostpay raise next yearraisessalary increaseglassdoor.com2013-01-02T07:56:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/12/21/5-ways-to-pump-up-your-career-muscle/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/12/21/5-ways-to-pump-up-your-career-muscle/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/12/21/5-ways-to-pump-up-your-career-muscle/#comments

By Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter


Your career is organic. It is a living, virtually breathing organism that needs to be nourished and exercised. Without attentive, continual care, you cannot expect your career heartbeat to remain vibrant and strong.

To prevent career malnourishment, consider applying these five activities to your daily routine:]]>advance your careercareer advancementcareer adviceget ahead at worknetworking tipsglassdoor.com2012-12-21T08:06:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/12/12/5-tips-for-an-effective-thank-you-note/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/12/12/5-tips-for-an-effective-thank-you-note/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/12/12/5-tips-for-an-effective-thank-you-note/#comments

By Vickie Elmer


Thank you notes aren't just for after the interview.

Some people use the holiday season as the time to reconnect with their friends and supporters. Yet if they want to get a head start, Thanksgiving provides a wonderful time to show your appreciation for those who have helped you in your career or job search.

"Everybody likes to get a thank you note," said Pennell Locey, vice president at Keystone Associates, which helps managers with career transitions. Sometimes, a carefully written note of appreciation may spur the individual to help you again if you're in the midst of a job hunt, she added. Even if you're not, you could send an appreciative note to someone who opened doors or promoted you a few years ago as a way to reconnect.]]>interview processjob search tipsthank youthank you notethank you note after interviewglassdoor.com2012-12-12T08:18:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/12/11/what-hiring-managers-look-for-interview/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/12/11/what-hiring-managers-look-for-interview/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/12/11/what-hiring-managers-look-for-interview/#comments

By Heather Huhman


You're a qualified candidate, and the job market is tough. But there could still be plenty of reasons you're getting passed over for every position you apply or interview for. A recent Glassdoor post reported that only 17 percent of hiring managers say job seekers have the skills they're actually looking for to fill their open positions.

Among the qualities hiring managers want in a candidate are a global business perspective, social media savvy, and a wide-range of skills. But is it possible that you have some qualities that turn hiring managers off, despite your best traits and abilities? Definitely. To avoid being skipped over for a job, check out these traits hiring managers don't want to see in a candidate:]]>interview tipsjob searchjob search tipssave the interviewwhat hiring managers look forwhat hiring managers wantglassdoor.com2012-12-11T09:16:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/12/06/5-more-reasons-you-never-hear-back-after-applying-for-a-job/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/12/06/5-more-reasons-you-never-hear-back-after-applying-for-a-job/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/12/06/5-more-reasons-you-never-hear-back-after-applying-for-a-job/#comments

By Heather Huhman


It happens all too often: After carefully filling out the online application or emailing a resume, job seekers hear nothing but silence from hiring managers. With little to no feedback to work from, job seekers are often left wondering if they're doing something wrong, or if this happens to every job candidate.

Glassdoor recently ran this post covering the top five reasons you never hear back after applying for a job, but these aren't the only ways you may be missing the mark in your job search. Increased competition in the job market means that you can't afford to ignore any aspect of your search, so it's best to cover all your bases before hitting send on that email. Here are five more reasons you never hear back after applying for a job:]]>applying for a jobfollowing upjob applicationsjob searchjob search tipsnever hear backonline brandpersonal brandglassdoor.com2012-12-06T08:18:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/11/27/succeeding-a-new-boss-great-relationship/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/11/27/succeeding-a-new-boss-great-relationship/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/11/27/succeeding-a-new-boss-great-relationship/#comments

By Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter


It has been said there is but one constant, and that is change. Some live for it, while others fight it tooth and nail. Change can be at once exciting and frightening. Amazing how often those two words interconnect, isn't it?

When that change involves a new boss, don't fret. If you stay on the same job long enough, eventually you will experience this transition. Here are a few simple suggestions for those who embrace it and those not as likely to.]]>get along with new bossgreat relationshiphate my bosslove my bossmanaging a new bossnew bossnew supervisorsurvive a new bossworst bossesglassdoor.com2012-11-27T08:27:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/11/26/how-to-manage-email-overload/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/11/26/how-to-manage-email-overload/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/11/26/how-to-manage-email-overload/#comments

By John Sumser


I don't know about you, but my inbox has been backing up at an alarming rate. Where I could once pare it down to a half-dozen pieces that were well worth procrastinating, my email backlog is often several weeks old. I tend to glance at them when they come in, and then mull over the transaction until I sit down to plow through it.

The onslaught of speedier and more effective communication tools like Twitter and Facebook make things worse. When I remember to check those mailboxes, I reply quickly. Both Facebook and Twitter have faulty status indicators. That means I have to carefully think about the inbox before I react to it.]]>AndroidBlackBerryemail overloadiPhonemanage emailmanaging emailsocial media overloadtame your inboxtoo much emailwork emailglassdoor.com2012-11-26T10:12:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/11/21/get-a-raise-tips/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/11/21/get-a-raise-tips/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/11/21/get-a-raise-tips/#comments

By Vickie Elmer


Picture the payday ahead: A 10 percent pay raise plus three extra vacation days.

If you want this to be more than wishful thinking, pull out your goals and get your game on for the performance review and raise season that's just ahead. Most companies hand out merit raises after the first of the year. Next year, in U.S. metropolitan areas, raises will average between 2.9 to 3.1 percent, according to WorldatWork, which focuses on compensation research.]]>ask for a raisebigger salaryget a pay raisehourly ratehourly wagehow to get a raisepay raiseyour boss wont tell youglassdoor.com2012-11-21T08:44:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/10/31/the-10-spookiest-jobs/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/10/31/the-10-spookiest-jobs/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/10/31/the-10-spookiest-jobs/#comments

Are you dressing up for Halloween as your favorite rock star (think Lady Gaga in the meat ensemble she wore at the MTV Video Music Awards) or TV personality (think Dr. Oz or Charlie Sheen)? While it can be fun to step into their shoes for just a few hours and imagine how cool it is to have their job, there are some jobs out there that are downright spooky.]]>creepiest jobscreepy jobsHalloween jobslove halloweenscariest jobsspookiest jobsglassdoor.com2012-10-31T07:29:00+00:00