Monthly Archives: December 2014

How to Find a Job Online: A Video Tutorial of MyJobHelper

Posted: December 31, 2014 at 3:13 am

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MyJobHelper.com is technically called a “job aggregator.” It collects millions of jobs from tens of thousands of sources, and puts them all in one place where job seekers can search for any job they want, any where they want to work.

Think of In as a very specialized search engine, focused on job postings.

Searching for Jobs with MyJobHelper

Simply enter the type of job you’re looking for to find companies who are hiring for hourly, part-time or full-time jobs in your city, state or zip code.

Use the left hand navigation on search result pages to filter matches by salary, distance and the date the posting was made. You can also signup for email alerts to get notified of new jobs available in your area.

Try a search today by visiting http://myjobhelper.com

Finding Work After 50: White Paper Summary

Posted: December 30, 2014 at 3:05 am

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In today’s job market cultural age, not physical age, is what matters most. Unfortunately many older job seekers over 50 are poorly attuned to the contemporary workplace. When they look for a job they often do not understand how much hiring practices have changed.

Here is a summary of a recent white paper that we published to help you understand the job landscape people over 50 face.

Overcoming Age Barriers

It is illegal and discriminatory to ask an applicant’s age on an application form or in an interview.Nevertheless, the prejudice against older workers remains. It is only after a prospective employer sees what you can do for his company that age ceases to become a handicap. Therefore you want to try to get prospective employers to focus on your skills rather than your age.

Resumes: Frame Your Experience as Skills, Not Jobs

Most workers have a simple chronological resume that begins with the most recent job working down the page through older jobs. Within each job, people show as many different responsibilities as possible. This makes sense when you are entering the job market for the first time and you are anxious to demonstrate that you have work experience.

Networking to Find Jobs Before They are Listed

Older workers grew up in a business culture where people found jobs by reading the classified ads in the local newspaper. When you saw a job you wanted, you put your resume in the mail, along with a cover letter and hoped to get called in for an interview. You expected to have no more than four or five jobs over the course of your life, so job hunting was a relatively rare experience.

Search Thousands of Job Opportunities Online

Workers who have not conducted a job search recently will be pleased to find a wealth of powerful tools online. Craigslist is especially good for finding jobs with small, local employers. It is also rich in part-time and temporary jobs that are advertised nowhere else. Smaller firms tend to be less prejudiced against individuals who have been unemployed for many months.

[pdf]http://myjobhelper.com/img/finding-work-after-50.pdf[/pdf]

Download the full White Paper at MyJobHelper.com!

About MyJobHelper

MyJobHelper.com is one of the fastest growing job sites in the world. Launched in 2013, MyJobHelper.com has attracted over 12,000,000 job seekers and tens of thousands of employers have been featured on our site.

5 Ways to Effectively Negotiate Your Salary

Posted: December 28, 2014 at 2:31 am

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Whether you’re negotiating your salary for a possible new job or bargaining for a pay adjustment in a current position, getting what you feel is a fair amount for your work can be tricky. Here are five ways to help you effectively negotiate your salary.

#1: Research

A helpful first step in negotiating your salary is to research what a position pays in the location of the job and as a national average. You may be able to find this information by looking at job postings on sites such as MyJobHelper.com or by searching Salary.com. Professional organizations and publications often provide salary ranges as a guide, too. Knowing the typical salary in your area or the national average can provide a guideline for your salary negotiation.

#2: Investigate

It’s no secret that some organizations pay better than others and that the cost of living varies around the nation. The salary range may or may not be listed in the job posting. Therefore, investigate the salary for the position paid by the specific company you are or wish to work for. Most companies have websites with a human resource page that may list salaries and benefits. You might also find specific listings for your job and company on the employment and salary sites listed under #1.

If this information is unavailable online or on the job posting itself, asking what the salary range and benefits are for a position is a fair question. Ask directly toward the end of your interview, but be careful not to make it the focus of your application.

#3: Inventory

Because most organizations provide a salary range and many times they have ways of offering the right person more money, be ready with a clear inventory of your skills, talents, experiences, and successes that may qualify you for more. Be sure to focus on “above and beyond” items rather than those of any person in the position. For example, rather than use the classic “I’m a people person” argument, which means little in terms of salary negotiations, share that you have completed communication training or that customers have voted you the salesperson who best meets their needs.

#4: Document

Closely related to #3 above is being able to document your “above and beyond” skills and talents. For example, do you have a certificate that shows the successful completion of the communication training or customer service award? Did a current or existing supervisor praise your contribution to a large project’s success? Have these pieces ready as salary negotiation bargaining chips.

#5: Counter

Finally, based upon how much risk you’re willing to take, consider countering an offer or rejecting it politely. Let’s say you know from your research and investigation that the company has made a good salary offer. You feel confident that they can go no higher; yet, you feel you deserve more.

You may want to counter by adjusting other variables associated with the job. Could you do some of it remotely, working from home? Telecommuting saves on work-related expenses, such as clothing and transportation. Maybe some of the job responsibilities could be adjusted (e.g., complete four major projects annually instead of five).

The ultimate risk is to politely and professionally reject the offer. Express how much you would like the position but that accepting it at that rate of pay is cost-prohibitive for you. Be patient with this one as you may not hear anything for months to come. However, if the company wanted you, they may be able to find something within your range in the future.

Salary negotiations can be stressful. Stay confident and realistic about your marketable skills and what they’re worth. The right salary opportunity will come along.

The 7 Worst Jobs for Your Health

Posted: December 23, 2014 at 6:00 pm

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Most people want to stay healthy and have a good career, but often the two seem to conflict. Even jobs that are not obviously dangerous can have detrimental effects on our well-being. Knowing what those positions are can help you protect yourself. Here are the seven worst jobs for your health.

#1: Desk Jobs

The standard 8-5 day typing on a keyboard or filling out forms can quickly set you on the road to obesity, heart disease, diabetes and other such life-threatening diseases. Receptionists, administrative assistants, call center workers, paralegals, and a host of other such positions fit into this category.

#2: Service Jobs

Another type of job that tends to be bad for your health is service-related. You might think that being a waiter, retail salesperson, or hotel desk clerk would get you the exercise you need. However, these types of jobs also put you into contact all day with a large number of people who may be spreading germs, sharing viruses, or venting emotionally.

#3: High Stress Jobs

It’s no secret that stress can be bad for us. Occupations such as teacher, lawyer, or human resource director all carry with them a high amount of unhealthy stress. Many of these professionals also carry with them the problems associated with being sedentary or in contact with others.

#4: Jobs with Toxic Substances

There are some jobs, too, that expose workers to toxic substances and/or environments. Automobile mechanics are exposed to motor oil and various engine fluids; medical personnel deal with sick patients, toxic chemicals, and x-rays; construction workers may run into asbestos or other known carcinogens; and trash collectors may be exposed to rotting foods and other toxic substances. Similarly, jobs that involve closed spaces with recycled air, such as offices, airports, or airplanes may make for an unhealthy environment.

#5: Jobs with Irregular Schedules

Although some workers like flexible and varied work schedules, these can subtract from your health over time. Jobs such as factory workers, real estate agents, or reporters can keep people jumping up at the last minute to run to a project or rotating between shifts or differing hours. Such positions can lead to sleep deprivation and other unhealthy side-effects.

#6: Human Service Jobs

Occupations that require a worker to have a lot of responsibility for the well-being of others can be both physically and psychologically draining. Mental health counselors, teachers, clergy and other such professions place people in positions that are difficult to disconnect from at the end of the day. They may worry about a client, a parishioner, or a student long after the work day is over, adding further damage to their own well-being. Often these jobs require being responsible for large numbers of people, too.

#7: Artistic/Creative Jobs

Although many dream of being a great artist or writer, artistic or creative pursuits can be unhealthy. Those drawn to these types of positions typically obsess over finding just the right image or words for a project. They experience frustrations such as writer’s block and the stress of constant deadlines. They may even be exposed to toxic substances or a lack of exercise as they work long hours to complete projects and make ends meet.

If the unhealthiness of jobs has you concerned, remember that some of this can be avoided simply by standing during the workday, working from home, or choosing a job that’s type of stress motivates you. Being aware of the potential risks is the first step in staying healthy on the job.

As a Recent College Graduate, What Steps Should I Take to Begin My Career?

Posted: December 19, 2014 at 4:31 pm

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All of your hard work finally paid off, and you graduated from college. If you’re like most, the sense of accomplishment you felt quickly gave way to the realization that finishing your degree is really more of a beginning than an ending. You may also feel a bit disoriented as having a part of your life planned for you is now over, and you must move forward on your own. But how do you begin your new career? Here are some steps to head you in the right direction.

#1: Get a Grip

You may be feeling anxious, but set those emotions aside to focus on the task at hand: finding a job. You do know what to do. You made it through college, right? Approach your job search like a large class project. Ask yourself some questions:

What do I need to get started? A good cover letter and resume, a portfolio to display your talents, and documentation of any certifications for job skills you may have are good things to consider.
What type of job do I want? Each field has a variety of positions and work situations you could pursue. Which ones are best for you?
Where do I want to work? Are there companies, locations, or ways of doing your job that interest you most? What salary and benefits are important to you? Some may take a lower salary if they have the ability to telecommute, for example.

Consulting resources such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook can help you narrow your focus and find links to professional websites for additional guidance.

#2: Get Moving

There’s truth to the saying that finding a job is a full-time job, so put at least eight hours each day into your search. Avoid the five common mistakes people make while job hunting, and spend time each day completing the following tasks:

Search job postings online and in person. Be sure to set auto-alerts for types of positions that interest you.
Send out at least three job query letters to prospective employers each day.
Network with others. Make sure that everyone you know is aware of what type of job you are searching for and how to reach you if they hear of anything.
Work on branding yourself as a professional online and in person.

The overall goal is to get yourself out there so that potential employers can easily discover you and what you have to offer.

#3: Get Real

New graduates tend to have very lofty expectations. Many believe that getting that degree makes them immediately employable in their dream job at a top salary. What’s not to like, right? Ever hear the joke: “You’re special just like everyone else”?

Remember that the market has a lot of other talented people competing for those same positions you’re interested in getting. Although it’s important to share that you have the credentials for a job, it’s even more important to add what makes you unique. What could you bring to a job that perhaps few others can? Get to know the companies you’re applying to; then connect their mission to yourself.

You may have to knock on doors and work your way into that ideal position, but get started, and you will succeed.

What Jobs Are Americans Losing to Outsourced Workers?

Posted: December 15, 2014 at 6:05 pm

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According to the Statistic Brain Research Institute (S.B.R.I.), over 2.5 million U.S. jobs were outsourced to companies overseas in 2013. The number is staggering, especially to those who are looking for a new position or just graduating from college. The best strategy a job seeker can take is to stay informed. The S.B.R.I. also found out that the jobs Americans are losing to outsourced workers fall into five main groups.

#1: Manufacturing Jobs (53%)

A little more than one-half of manufacturing jobs go to overseas workers. This group includes any jobs associated with taking raw materials and making them into a new product, such as machinists, wood and metal workers, or even bakers.

#2: IT Services (43%)

The second largest group of outsourced jobs at just under one-half is Informational Technology (IT) Services. Computer programming, network administrator and support, help desk technician, webmaster, and other such roles connected with computers are part of this category.

#3: Research and Development (38%)

Also known simply as “R & D,” positions in this group involve learning about new ways to combine raw materials, to use or improve products, or to provide better services. Jobs in this category include engineers, technicians, and project managers. Most of these roles are located within the medical and technology fields, which must continually advance to be successful.

#4: Distribution (26%)

The above three groups need a way to get their products and services into the hands of customers, and that is the role of distribution workers, about a quarter of whom are outsourced overseas. Positions in this area include material handler, retail sales, logisticians, and quality control supervisors.

#5: Call or Help Centers (12%)

The final group is the smallest with 12% of its workers outsourced although it’s also what tends to come to mind first with workers overseas. This group consists of customer service representatives/agents, office managers, data entry clerk, telemarketers, and other such consumer engagement roles.

Although the above statistics may be a bit discouraging, don’t let them keep you from pursuing a career in one of these categories if that’s what you really want. Some economists believe outsourcing of American jobs has been in decline, and thousands of jobs in these categories remain available in the U.S. Keep your focus on getting the skills needed for the position you hope for, and you should be able to find a position that meets your needs.

5 Common Mistakes People Make While Job Hunting

Posted: December 12, 2014 at 3:43 pm

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#1: Failing to take full inventory of your talents and marketable skills

Many people assume getting a job is largely a matter of luck. You’ll hear expressions, such as, “It’s who you know” or “You need to be in the right place at the right time.” Instead, make your own luck. Create an inventory of your talents and marketable skills. List all the training and education you have. Then add the jobs you’ve held, what you know how to do well, and anything else that will help a potential employer know who you are.

#2: Not casting a wide enough net to find suitable positions for your talents and skills

After completing your inventory, you must cast as wide a net as possible for suitable positions related to your talents and skills. Within the rapidly changing global economy and evolving technology, new positions are constantly being added and previous ones are changing or being phased out. Consult sources like the Occupational Outlook Handbookto find positions of interest. Be sure to check out the websites of professional organizations listed with each entry for advice, too.

#3: Poor branding of your professional identity, especially online

Now that you have a good idea of what you have to offer and where to begin your search, check your online identity. Most employers are searching the Internet to see who their applicants are, so make sure you’ve branded yourself as a professional with all of the talents and skills you identified in your inventory. Check that those spring break or hangover pictures are removed from your social media sites. Instead, be sure to set up active profiles in Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter. Make it easy for potential employers to find the candidate of their dreams in you.

#4: Failing to strategize

By now you’ve probably begun to realize that failing to strategize is another major mistake made while job hunting. In addition to the above techniques, make it a daily routine to check online job sites, such as MyJobHelper and set auto-alerts to notify you by email of open positions whenever possible. Network with as many people as possible to let them know you’re looking for a new job. Don’t just focus online because it’s easiest. Get out there and see who’s hiring. Be interview ready with appropriate clothing and copies of your resume.

#5: Doing nothing

Branding and searching are necessary to find a good job. However, don’t wait. Set yourself up as working in some way immediately. When possible, start your own job, even if it’s mowing lawns, cleaning houses, or running an eBay business. You’ll have some income coming in, but more importantly, you’ll show employers you want to work. Similarly, volunteer for non-profits or projects, especially those related to your job search. Companies like to see employees who give back to their communities, and again, you’ll be gaining job experience. Take action to strengthen any weaknesses that come up as you inventory your skills and hunt for a job.

Avoiding the five common mistakes made while job hunting takes effort, but it’s not impossible. Become the employee companies wish to see, and good job offers will come.

Free Resume Templates To Help Make Your Resume Stand Out

Posted: December 8, 2014 at 12:18 am

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In any job search, the name of the game is to stand out from other candidates to get picked for an interview. One way to do this is with we well-designed resume that’s geared specifically for the career you want to go after. In order to grab the attention of the hiring managers and recruiters, your resume needs to scream, “I’m the best!” loud and clear.

Creating a resume that stands out doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some examples of free resume templates that will help you accomplish this mission.

Go Bold or Go Home

Make your resume standout to recruiters with this “Bold” resume template, which features a bright red strip of color down one side. In the professional world, red is a power color therefore it grabs the attention of readers, even in a huge pile of resumes. It conveys that you are a candidate to be reckoned with, and someone who knows how to make a first impression. Use the coordinating cover letter and a bright red envelope to really make an impact.

It’s Getting Personal

Monograms are all the rage in terms of the design world, and this is also true for designing a stand out resume. The “Initial” resume template works well for this purpose as it features a nice initial at the very top right corner of the page. This helps hiring managers to find your resume from among a number of applicants, and the nice burgundy color is very pleasing to the eye.

Be Creative

When it comes to designing a resume that stands out to recruiters, nothing beats a little creativity. The “Creative” resume template works well for this, as it has a lot of visual appeal. From the pleasing blue tones that highlight your contact information to the well-organized content areas surrounded by plenty of white space, this template is a favorite of serious job seekers.

Traditional Class

Sometimes standing out means going the extra mile to impress a hiring manager. Instead of submitting a dull one-page resume, try a new twist on the “Traditional” resume with this template. It features a nice centered document nested in an eggshell frame that looks a lot like parchment. You can create your cover letter and resume all in one using this great free resume template.

Just the Essentials

Looking for a simple resume format that still has impact? Then you will want to go with the “Essentials” resume template that features a clean look and a stripe of color that stands out. Download the resume template and change the colors or font to suit your taste. Use a bold envelope to mail your resume to potential employers.

As you begin your job search, be sure to use these resume templates to develop an outstanding resume worthy of attention. Have a professional resume writer or career coach support your job search if you need to go a step further. Use My Job Helper to find the best jobs in your field of study and region.

Some employers may reject resumes with photographs to avoid potential accusations of discriminating on the basis of race and other factors.

The 10 Most Stressful Jobs in America Today

Posted: December 5, 2014 at 4:13 pm

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Oftentimes, the jobs that pay the most also include higher degrees of responsibility and stress. Consider how much pressure it must be to work as a brain surgeon and you get the idea. Yet, there are a number of jobs that involve a lot of stress that offer more reward than just a paycheck.

Think you can handle the heat? Here is a rundown of the top 10 most stressful jobs in America today.

Active Military Personnel

How does being dropped into the middle of a war-torn city in the middle of the night with active rounds breezing past your head sound to you? What if you would be fighting for freedom around the world? Active military personnel have consistently rated as having the most stressful jobs in America. Earning around $28,840 as of 2014 figures, these are dedicated people who put their lives on the line daily.

Firefighters

Saving lives and property are the duties of the modern day Firefighter, a job that comes with a high degree of stress. While they earn an average of $45,250 annually, being a firefighter is a dangerous job filled with physical and mental challenges. Nearly two-thirds of the entire American population is protected by career firefighters. As of 2014, there were some 1.2 million full time firefighters in the US, with about 350 thousand of these folks being volunteers in the communities they serve.

EMS Workers

Emergency Medical Service personnel are on the front line of saving lives too, when it comes to responding to medical emergencies. Perhaps no other EMS role is more stressful than those who work the 9-11 emergency lines and drive ambulances into unknown situations. Earning from $33,000 to $50,000 annually, they work long hours and often have special ongoing training for paramedics. Jobs abound as the health care market continues to see a great deal of demand from the geriatric population.

Airline Pilot

Imagine trying to fly a million dollar plane filled with travelers safely into some of the busiest airports in America? This is what airline pilots do several times a day, along with dealing with passengers, long hours, and layovers that can be exhausting. Airline pilots earn on average $112,000 or more per year, but they have schedules and responsibilities that make all other jobs pale in comparison.

Public Relations

Thinking dealing with people is a snap? Think again. Public relations managers have some of the most stressful jobs in America because they are the face of the businesses they represent. Each PR manager must carefully navigate the industry to brand it and maintain a positive image to the public at all times. They often deal with bad press received too. PR managers earn around $54,170 annually.

Event Managers

Like organizing people and parties? Then maybe a career as an event manager is in your future. Event managers have learned to embrace high levels of stress and deadlines to create events for large and small groups. From parties to large-scale conferences, event managers must be able to deal with the unexpected things that come up before, during and after each event. They earn around $45,000 per year or more.

Senior Corporate Executives

One may think being on the top of the corporate ladder would make for a stress-free career, but senior executives bear the weight of every decision on their shoulders constantly. They generally earn well over six figures, but it comes with a lot of personal sacrifice and sleepless nights.

Entrepreneurs

Do you think you would like to work for yourself? It sounds nice, right? Now try to combine your interests and talents in such a way you can earn a decent living, and you can see why being a solo entrepreneur is one of the most stressful jobs in America. Entrepreneurs typically don’t see any real earnings until they have been in business for at least 2-4 years.

Police Officers

“Serve and protect” is the motto of all police officers, which is why they have one of the most stressful careers in America. Police officers in mid-size cities generally earn around $55,200 annually, but they work long hours and often put their lives at risk for the benefit of others.

News Reporters

Always staying one step ahead of ground shaking events is what puts news reporters into one of the top 10 stressful jobs in America. News reporters are often the first on the scene following emergency and law protection personnel, so they can capture things as they happen. This means long hours and personal time sacrifice 24/7. News reporters earn about $35,000 per year, unless they are paid for a historical story.

Taxi Drivers

Like driving? Like people? Then a job as a taxi driver may be just the ticket for you. Taxi drivers are ranked as being in very stressful careers because of the risk they are in every day, due to robberies and congested traffic conditions. Many have poor health habits from being behind the wheel of a vehicle all the time too. Taxi drivers earn around $23,000 if they are lucky, so it’s not a glamorous job.

If you are brave and think you would like to try one of the above stressful jobs, you can find them here at MyJobHelper using our local job search engine.

Pro-tips For Using Job Hunting Websites To Find Your Next Job

Posted: December 2, 2014 at 4:12 pm

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At some point in time, the smart job seeker realizes that the most effective way to find a new job is to use a job hunting website. It’s because finding a job any other way is too time consuming and frustrating for the average person. Besides, no one uses newspaper advertisements or “Help Wanted’ signs to find employees nowadays—nearly every company turns to the Internet to find the best talent. Job search websites are here to stay.

Now that you’ve become familiar with MyJobHelper as a resource for finding a job, do you truly know how to get the most from this resource? Learn how to maximize your job search results with these pro tips for using job hunting websites to find your next job.

Get Strategic About Your Job Search

Before you start randomly typing in a bunch of job search terms into the box on MyJobHelper, get strategic. Do some research into the types of jobs you want by visiting career websites that give an explanation of skills, responsibilities and tasks. Make a list of the top search keywords found in job advertisements and descriptions. Search for jobs both locally and in other areas to broaden your results.

Use a Professional Email

If you are ready to start applying for jobs you find on My Job Helper, ditch that old email address first. That’s right. Cutesy email addresses just don’t cut it when you want to appear professional to a hiring manager. Sign up for a new email and use your name or a first initial and last name. This ensures several things:

You can use this email inbox only for the purpose of job searches so responses don’t get lost in junk emails.

The email address appears professional to the person receiving it and doesn’t make them pre-judge you.

The email is easier to track down when they try to match up your resume with your contact information at interview time.

Subscribe to Email Alerts

Once you have set up a new professional email address, also be sure to take advantage of the convenience of having matched jobs sent automatically to your email on a regular basis. It’s like having someone else do your job search for you! Just remember to check in and respond to jobs you find that meet your needs and apply frequently.

Track Your Progress

Every goal needs a roadmap in order to stay on track. This is also true when it comes to a job search. Create a simple job search spreadsheet that enables you to track your progress. From the jobs you applied to and the dates you sent in your resume, to the times you follow-up, a spreadsheet can help you remember to check in with the hiring companies on a regular basis. Here is a free one you can use, from Microsoft Office templates.

Maximize Your Profile

You want a better results when you apply via job hunting websites. This is why you need to improve your profile on a regular basis. Update your information frequently on My Job Helper, including any new contact information, new skills learned, and temporary assignments you complete. The more proactive you appear to hiring managers who use MyJobHelper to find talent, the better you will fare here.

Using the above tips wont guarantee you will find a job in a certain time, but it can put you on the fast track to success on job hunting websites like My Job Helper.

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