Five Tricks for Remembering Names

If you are fortunate to have an interview, you will likely meet new people for the first time. Remembering their names could be a challenge. An even greater challenge can arise if you are interviewed by a committee.
How can you avoid the panic that can come from forgetting someone’s name almost as soon as you’re introduced? The fact is, names just aren’t a priority for our brains.  There are however some techniques that will improve your name retention powers.

• Don’t psych yourself out.
• Slow down and take it easy.
• Ask questions.
• Use a person’s name.
• Create an image.

For the details on how to apply these techniques, see the complete article here.

Things to know before changing careers

Even in today's tight job market, you can make a career change. It's just a little harder and takes more planning.

If you don't like what you're doing or don't feel that there is any room for advancement, changing careers can be rewarding. The most important thing is to do the work before you make a change, so that you'll already be prepared. Here's 5 things you should consider before you change careers:

1. Create a plan
2. Think about your decision
3. Strengthen your social network
4. Brush up on your education
5. Take small steps

If you are considering a career change see more details here

The truth about job references

When applying for a job, it's not just your resume and interview that matter. Who you select to be your reference can make a huge difference. So, how can you make sure that the references you provide a new employer are going to be effective? Well, here are a few truths about job references that can make the task a little easier:

Here are a few broad brush pointers:

• There are restrictions on what they say (but not HOW)
• Provide references only when asked
• Stay in touch with your references
• Always ask before using someone as a reference
• If in doubt, do a test run

For details on these, see the full article here

Mistakes you may make in your search

When you are looking for a job, it is important to make sure that you are taking advantage of all the opportunities you can, but there are times when even the most savvy of us are guilty of making some common mistakes that can make a recruiter or hiring manager take us out of the running for a job.

• Nonstandard resume
• Apply for every job
• Inappropriate contact
• Follow up too much
• Ask about benefits

For a detailed discussion on these mistakes, see the full article here

Quick tips for filling out job applications

While most openings are first screened based on a resume, you may also be asked to fill out a company’s standard job application. This puts all candidates on a common format for evaluation. If you have passed the resume test, that is a good sign, you have passed one hurdle. Positions may also be filled solely on a hand written or online application form.

In either case you need to have all pertinent information at hand when completing the form. There may be things asked that are not detailed on your resume. There are some things you can do to make your application standout. See the full article here

Fired? How to answer the question

If you have ever been fired from a job, this is probably the question you dread most of all during an interview.  When you're asked the question, don't lie. It's so easy for a prospective employer to find out why you left a job, so if you're being asked – assume that they already know.  So, what should you do?

Before you start interviewing for a new job, you need to come up with a cohesive story that briefly explains what happened. Your story should also include what you learned from the experience without talking bad about a previous employer or co-worker. It sounds like a tough job, but it's actually fairly easy.

If you need detailed pointers, see the complete article here.

Follow Up After an Interview

A most common question that job seekers ask is "Why didn't they call me back after the interview?".  Once the interview is over and the thank you note is sent, it becomes a waiting game.

Follow up with a company after the interview. A follow up phone call is one of the most useful but under-used pieces of interview etiquette.  You've already met a representative of the company and discussed how you could be an asset to their company.  This means that you have a business relationship.  Calling them back isn't even close to cold calling someone.  It's perfectly acceptable, and in fact, expected that you will give them a call to follow up.  For a few tips from the full article, click here.