Managing Your Career: Seven Tips for Developing References

Alesia Benedict

"References upon Request". While this phrase has become passé on resumes, every job seeker knows the importance of having good references. Even with the more commonly occurring instance of HR departments only confirming dates of employment and status for rehire, references are still a very important part of the job search.

So how do you "develop" your references? Most people think you just write down a few people's names and contact information that can attest to the fact that you are a great person, a good employee, and won't run off with the office supplies. Totally wrong! Developing good references actually requires some thought and work.

Tip 1 - Consider the field
When deciding upon whom to name as your references, it is important to think about who you select. Director supervisors and people who have true knowledge of your work performance make the best references. Higher-up execs, while perhaps having more important job titles or better name recognition might well say “Joe who?” when contacted for a reference because they don't know who you are or only have a passing exposure to your work performance. That would be embarrassing!

Tip 2 - Ask Permission
Always talk to those whom you plan to name as references in your job search! You don't want your reference to be caught off guard when contacted. Also, get their permission and make sure you have the correct contact information for them. Some might prefer to be contacted by email while others prefer a home phone or cell phone number. Mailing address for references is not necessary.

Tip 3 - Are They Competition?
An old recruiters' trick is to use an under-qualified candidate's resume as a “backdoor” to qualified candidates - the references. Good references should have direct knowledge of your work performance but ideally should be in a slightly different functional line of work than you. For example, a recruiter might contact a National Sales Manager from XYZ Company only because he is hoping to get access to the VP of Sales (the candidate's supervisor) in hopes of luring him/her away.

Tip 4 - Who Knows Whom?
When a recruiter or employer is checking references, they know the references that are listed by the candidate are going to have good things to say about the candidate. Let's face it - who is going to list someone that would say BAD things? That is why hiring professionals ask the following question of most references: “Who ELSE other than you has direct knowledge of Joe's work performance? Can you give me their number or email?” It's not so much who YOU name as a reference but rather who your reference names as a reference. To counter this, ask anyone you ask to be a reference the same question “If asked, who else would you recommend as a reference for me?” If your references name someone who you think would not be very glowing in their report, take the opportunity to steer them away and suggest an alternate person.

Tip 5 - Get it in Writing
Save yourself a lot of trouble and have your references write letters of recommendation for you. In fact, anytime you have a great achievement and receive accolades, ask your supervisor to give you a “pat on the back” in writing. Save these for the future! They are invaluable.

Tip 6 - Preserve Privacy
Never, ever publish your references' names or contact information in your resume or on the web. First of all, references should never appear on a resume simply because it is not the place for that information. References are provided during the interview, usually a second interview and it is always great if you have it prepared in advanced and can leave the data. Something tangible by which the interviewer can ‘remember you'. Putting your references' names, phone numbers, emails and addresses in an online database or in a resume that is published online is simply not something you should do.

Tip 7 - Keep it Professional
Your references should be professional people who have direct knowledge of your work performance. The “character reference” is pretty moot. Hence, do not include a pastor, a friend, a neighbor or a family member.

Before you start your job search, make sure you have your resume in tip top shape so you land interviews, and your references developed and ready to go so you are prepared on those interviews. Your references need to know if you are conducting a confidential job search or an open one so they do not accidentally let the cat out of the bag. Consider a thank you note to each reference after you win an interview as that is both courteous and will also keep them primed for the next time!

Sphere: Related Content

What to Say About Why You Quit Your Last Job

Caroline Potter
Everyone makes a big fuss about having a gap on your resume, and most folks are fearful of getting fired because of this very reason. But what if your current state of "underemployment" is your own doing?

A bad boss, crummy coworkers, or poor working conditions may have led you to walk away -- but you don't want to reveal that in an interview. However valid your reasons may have been, such factors can be turned back on you, causing you to be perceived as someone who couldn't handle directions, work well with others, or wasn't willing to do whatever it took to get the job done.

So, how should you discuss the fact that you quit your last job without scaring off recruiters? Read on for four tips.

1. Blame It on Burnout

The best tactic for talking about why you quit -- for any reason -- is to accentuate the positive and minimize the negative. Most folks understand that people are susceptible to burnout in today's world. Explain to your interviewer that while you enjoyed your job, you wanted to take time to recharge your batteries, physically and mentally.

If you have no other gaps on your resume and have been working continually for a lengthy period of time, this is quite plausible.

2. This Time It's Personal

If you quit a job to spend quality time with a child or a sick family member, by all means say that. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) doesn't necessarily provide workers with all the protection or time they need to be present for family members if childcare or eldercare becomes necessary. Only companies of a certain size are beholden to the FMLA, which offers up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during a 12-month period.

3. You Finally Examined Your Unexamined Life

This approach is effective for industry changers in particular. Simply tell your interviewer that you took time off to re-examine your priorities and passions and realized that you wanted to work in another field. Even if you're applying for a job similar to the one you'd held, this will work if your target employer is in a different industry than your former employer. Also, if you're seeking work with a "green" company, a nonprofit, or another very worthy organization, you can mention how working for a socially and/or environmentally conscious employer became important to you during your discovery process.

4. Play the Consulting Card

Focus on the fact that while you weren't employed at a full-time job, you were consulting (if, in fact, you were). Consulting, you might say, gave you a chance to focus on a particular area of interest in your profession. This ability to concentrate on one facet led you to pursue positions such as the one for which you're interviewing. If you haven't yet started consulting, do so -- even for free at a charity or community organization. This will help keep your resume current and allow you to be truthful about your recent professional experience.

Sphere: Related Content

Bad Interview Behaviors To Avoid

Caroline Potter
Would you ever ask an interviewer for a cigarette? Or send your sister to meet a potential employer in your place? Or arrive with a bird on your shoulder? Probably not, but job seekers have done each of these things -- and worse -- according to a new survey released by OfficeTeam, a leading staffing firm.

The folks who committed these professional faux pas probably didn't intend on doing so, but because they didn't follow the four rules below, they made themselves susceptible to bizarre behaviors. Remember these tips -- or be remembered for all the wrong reasons.

1. Be Prepared

Before any interview, you've got a considerable amount of homework ahead of you. Make sure you carefully research the company at which you're interviewing and try to learn as much as you can about the position and your interviewer as possible.

One executive revealed to OfficeTeam that a potential employee was so unprepared that he "got his companies confused and repeatedly mentioned the strengths of a competing firm, thinking that's who he was interviewing with." Another called his interviewer by the wrong name throughout the entirety of the meeting.

Always give yourself a few extra moments to prep for your interview, either on the train or subway, or while you're waiting in the lobby. Review people's names, the company's focus, and your potential responsibilities and go in with a clear head.

2. Be Mindful of Your Body Language

Even if you're nervous during an interview, you must avoid displaying any behaviors that might make you appear so. Another respondent revealed, "A job seeker gestured with his hands so much that he sat on them to stop it."

Also, make sure you're focused and alert. Interviews can go on for a long while, so go in well-rested with enough food in your system to go the distance. One unfortunate interviewee fell asleep during an interview, according to OfficeTeam.

3. Dress Appropriately

The best bet for almost any interview is a simple business suit. As long as it's appropriate for the office, you won't look like you're trying too hard -- or not hard enough. A hiring manager told OfficeTeam, "Someone showed up for an interview in pajamas and his hair not combed, like he had just rolled out of bed."

Also, whatever you're wearing, check to make sure it doesn't need darning or cleaning. Adds another interviewer, "[A] candidate had a big rip in the back of his pants."

4. Choose Your Words Carefully

You've got to think on your toes during an interview, regardless of how prepared you are. There are always a couple of questions even the most savvy professionals fail to anticipate. If you're caught off guard by a question, take a deep breath, reiterate the question, and answer slowly and thoughtfully. Shares an interviewer, "[One] applicant was doing really well in the interview until she got to the reason she left her other job. She told us everyone was out to get her."

Dave Willmer, executive director of OfficeTeam, says, "Although extreme, these examples illustrate the importance of interview basics. To be considered for a job, candidates must prepare well, dress appropriately, and provide compelling information about themselves."

Sphere: Related Content

When Those Tough Interview Questions Are Behavioral In Nature

Tag Goulet
Imagine you are being interviewed for a new job. Everything seems to be going well until the interviewer says: "Tell me about a time you had a conflict on the job."

What should you do?

* (A) Dish the dirt about a jerk you had trouble with on your last job. After all, honesty is the best policy.
* (B) Tell the interviewer you get along with everybody, so you haven't had any conflicts at work.
* (C) Say "if I had a conflict with someone I would sit down with that person to discuss how we could resolve it."
* (D) None of the above.

In most interview situations, the answer is D.

If you badmouth anyone during an interview (answer A), the employer may think you're a difficult person who will create conflict in their workplace. Answer B makes it sound like you are either answering dishonestly or don't have much experience working with people.?

Answer C may sound like a good way to respond. However, most employers don't want to hear what you would do in a hypothetical situation -- they want to hear how you have actually handled a real situation in the past.

The Interest in Conflict

The purpose in asking about a past conflict is not to see if you have ever had a conflict (the interviewer assumes you have). The goal is to see how well you resolve difficult situations and, if something did not work out in the past, what you learned from it.

Asking applicants about past experiences is known as behavioral interviewing. Behavioral interviewing involves asking about specific past behaviors in an attempt to determine how you would likely behave if you got the job.

Of course, people's behaviors can change over time and in different situations. However, past behavior is a much better measure of how someone is likely to behave in a similar situation in the future as opposed to what that person says they "would" do. In an ideal world, we would all handle conflict effectively. In the real world, some of us are better suited to jobs with minimal conflict.

Expect Behavioral Questions

To ensure you're a good fit for the job, many interviewers will ask behavioral questions relating to the particular position. So you may hear questions such as "Describe your most successful project so far. What did you do to make it a success?" or "Describe a project where something went wrong. How did you solve the problem?"

To prepare for behavioral questions, spend time before the interview thinking about your past experiences so you can answer questions by: (1) describing the situation, (2) explaining what you did and what the outcome was, then (3) finishing with the experience you acquired or what you learned if the situation didn't turn out the way you had planned.

Evaluate Your Answers

If you have the chance, do some role-playing with a friend to practice responding to tough interview questions. Ask your friend for feedback about how you answer. Do you get to the point or give too much information? Do you sound natural or do some of your responses sound rehearsed??

Most importantly, could any of your answers raise a red flag with the employer? For example, if you are asked to describe a conflict you experienced and respond with examples of three conflicts you were involved with, the interviewer may think you don't get along with anyone!?

Your purpose during the interview is to show that you will be an asset to the company. Being prepared can help you show that you are the ideal person for the job.

Sphere: Related Content

7 Tips For Success For Job Hunting In A Recessive Economy

Tom Musbach
Whether or not the U.S. economy has hit a recession, one thing is clear these days: Uncertainty is in the air, and it affects nearly every economic sector, including the job market.

The recent rise in the U.S. unemployment rate -- 4.9% in January -- indicates that fewer jobs are being created, but the shrinkage may not affect job-seekers in some fields, such as technology or health care. Nonetheless, experts say job seekers should pay attention to current economic conditions and expect that the job-search process may take longer.

Adjust Your Approach?

"The unemployment rate has risen, but it is not at a point that should cause job seekers to panic," says John Challenger, CEO of outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. "Even at 5.2% or 5.3%, there is still demand for workers. Those seeking jobs in construction or mortgage lending might have a more difficult time finding employment, but we have not seen a significant downturn in hiring in other sectors."

Alexandra Levit, author of "They Don't Teach Corporate in College," suggests job seekers may want to alter their approach due to economic uncertainties.

"Perhaps this means earning a paycheck at your current job while conducting interviews over your lunch break or doing volunteer work on the weekend that might lead to a paid gig," she says. "If you are currently unemployed, you may have to settle for a situation that's not 100% ideal in order to keep yourself afloat through the downturn."

David Bach, a workforce development specialist in San Francisco, says job seekers can "improve their competitive edge by becoming more aware of the top ongoing employers." Fields that are less affected by the evolving economy -- such as education, health care, and energy -- make an ideal focus right now, he adds.

Tips for Reaching Your Goal

Experts recommend the following actions to increase your job-search success in an uncertain economic climate.

* Tailor your presentations; don't be generic. "In developing a resume and other promotions materials, think about how your current skills and talents apply directly to the responsibilities you'll hold in the new job," says Levit.

* "Create a target list of companies," says career coach Julie Jansen, author of "You Want Me to Work with Who?" She suggests sending the list to 25 people, asking them if they can put you in touch with an employee at one of the listed companies.

* "Make yourself and your skills more visible," says Bach. He suggests posting and refreshing your resume in more places, such as online job boards, and going to job fairs.

* "Create an advisory board of smart and empathetic people and confer with them regularly about your job search," says Jansen.

* "Hone and utilize your 'elevator pitch' as often as possible," says Bach, referring to a 30-second summary of your professional assets.

* Keep your spirits high. Don't let the process overwhelm you or weigh you down. Jansen advises, "Make a list of your five favorite things to do, and do them!"

* Make an effort daily. "Do one thing each day -- like emailing a new contact or attending a networking event -- that moves your job search forward," says Levit. "Your worst enemy is inertia."

Sphere: Related Content

Top 10 Tips For A Successful Online Job Search

Caroline Levchuck,

While newspapers and networking still play an important role in looking for work, the Internet is now a vital component in any job search.

According to a Gad Levanon, economist at the Conference Board, "The Internet has become the most popular method of job searching." A recent survey by the Conference Board, the world's leading business membership and research organization, revealed that the Internet isn't only being used by more job seekers -- it's being used for a variety of job search functions.

Read on for some ideas as to how you can make the most of the Web's potential in your next job search.

1. Post your resume online at Yahoo! HotJobs so recruiters can find you -- even when you're not actively searching for work.

2. Join an online networking community, such as the new Yahoo! Kickstart or LinkedIn, and connect with fellow alumni, colleagues, and recruiters.

3. Search the names of old friends and coworkers to reach out and expand your network.

4. Research major employers, using news outlets or sites like Yahoo! Finance.

5. Tap the power of industry blogs to find folks who are doing what you'd like to do for a living and ask for advice. You'd be surprised at how many people are willing to share their wisdom with an up and comer.

6. Streamline your efforts by saving job searches and signing up for email job alerts so you'll know about new postings on Yahoo! HotJobs immediately.

7. Start an online job-search support group, perhaps using Yahoo! Groups or a social networking site. Open it up to members of your network who are looking for work and share encouragement and insights as you seek out new opportunities.

8. Visit company websites for additional job postings and to learn about each organization's corporate culture. This will help you determine if you'd be a good fit and provide you with insights for any interviews.

9. Browse trade associations and professional groups online for insights and new connections.

10. Patrol message boards and discussion groups to connect with like-minded and in-the-know professionals. Many times job openings are not posted immediately and these people may have hot inside leads on new opportunities.

Sphere: Related Content

10 Reasons Why You Are Not Getting Hired

Dozens of job interviews, and no offers? Are you too old, too young, over-qualified or just out of luck? Are hiring managers so incompetent and biased that they can’t see that you’re qualified as a chemist, electrical engineer, CAD designer, construction manager or network administrator?

The truth is, if you’re getting rejected time after time for jobs that you are qualified for, the problem is most likely with you. Hiring managers and recruiters don’t get paid to reject people. Their job is to find qualified people to fill vacancies.

If you’re not getting invited back, ask yourself “why?” Most of the time, the problem is with the way you are presenting yourself. That’s not surprising because job interviewing is an infrequent activity for most of us. You need to critique your interviewing presentation the same as you would your on-the-job-performance. Here are ten reasons why you may not be getting a job offer:

1. You’re not qualified. It’s true, you have nothing to lose by applying for every job that looks even remotely like it might be a match. On the other hand, if you overstate your qualifications, it will come out during the interview. Sometimes the interviewer doesn’t properly screen job candidates, and it’s not until the interview is well under way that it becomes obvious that the candidate lacks the necessary skills or experience. There’s not much you can do about interviewers who don’t do their homework. However, think twice before you set yourself up for failure by applying for jobs that are clearly outside your level of expertise.

2. You may lack enthusiasm. You don’t have to emulate Zig Ziglar or Richard Simmons, but you must express enthusiasm for a job if you don’t want to be weeded out early in the interview process. Not everyone is effervescent in his or her personality, but if you can’t manufacture enthusiasm during a job interview, a hiring manager has to wonder how good your attitude will be after you’re hired.

3. Failure to establish your worth to the prospective employer. When you give the impression that you are only interested in “what’s in it for me” without regard to what you have to offer, a job opportunity is often lost. The hiring manager wants to know what you can do for him or her. Candidates who fail to establish their worth are quickly eliminated. For example, if you have eight years of progressively responsible experience as an application engineer, you will want to make sure that the interviewer sees the value in your experience. You establish your worth by the specific things that you say in answer to his or her questions.

4. Unclear job goals eliminate many candidates from further consideration. If you10. are an electrical supervisor and you don’t know what you specifically want to do, are not sure if you want to supervise again, or can’t communicate your interest during the interview, you’re in trouble. If you’re going through some soul-searching as we all do on occasion, keep it out of the interview or you run the risk of losing a job opportunity. Employers are not interested in hiring people who don’t know what they want to do.

5. Bad mouthing previous employers. There is no faster way to be cut from further consideration than by saying something negative about your current or most recent employer. It may be that your former supervisor really was a technically weak boss. Maybe he or she was frequently late in following through on assignments that in turn impacted your work. Regardless of the situation, think twice before you talk about it. It’s better to put a positive spin on your job search, saying you’re looking for better opportunities when asked why you are making a change. Employers want to hire people who are going places, not those who are refugees. What you say tells the listener more about you than about the person/company you are talking about. As tempting as it may be to tell the interviewer how badly your previous employer treated you, keep your negative thoughts to yourself.

6. Poor personal appearance. The key here is that you must fit in with the way others in the company dress. Hiring managers don’t want to hire anyone for their team who would be a distraction to others. And keep in mind that if a manager hires you with a nose ring, his or her judgment will be called into question, regardless of how well you do your job. A poor personal appearance can eliminate you before you open your mouth.

7. Unprepared for the interview. Preparing includes practice answering interview questions as well as researching the company. Interviewers are always impressed when you know something about their company. If due to a lack of practice you stumble with your answers, it will be clear that you are unprepared. Be ready to answer the question: “What can you tell me about yourself” in two minutes or less. It’s obvious to the interviewer when a candidate hesitates to answer a question that he or she is not prepared.

8. You may lack interpersonal skills. On paper you may look great. On the phone you are impressive. Your references look fine at a glance, but face to face you fail the test. If there is any hint that you may not get along with other members of the engineering team, it’s a deal killer. Suppress your desire to say anything that would suggest that you’re weak in the area of interpersonal skills including a comment that you are shy or would rather work with machinery than people.

9. Revealing your weaknesses will usually end your chances for getting a job offer. The hiring manager’s number one job is to determine the candidate’s weaknesses. He or she will do this by asking tough interview questions that you must be prepared to answer without revealing your weaknesses. Practice answering the question: “Can you tell me about one of your weaknesses and what you are doing to improve?” Take it one step further and decide what you will say when the interviewer asks you for three weaknesses that you are working on.

10. Failure to sell yourself. Your responsibility during the interview is to sell yourself and that includes carefully tooting your own horn. You may not have had to do much of this in the past, but times have changed. And don’t forget to follow up with a telephone call three or four days after an interview. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the job as well as ask a question or two that you may have forgotten to ask.

In conclusion, there are many reasons why you may not be getting a job offer. These ten reasons are among the most likely. Regardless of the reason, it’s your responsibility to make sure that you avoiding anything that would prevent you from moving forward in the interview process and ultimately landing the job.

Carol Hacker is a business consultant, seminar leader and author of over 250 published articles and 13 books including the bestseller, Hiring Top Performers-350 Great Interview Questions for People Who Need People. She can be reached in Atlanta at 770-410-0517

Sphere: Related Content

Laid Off: Making The Best Out Of It

Chandra Fox,

The turbulent winds of a stormy job market are here, and if the winds blow in your direction, you should be prepared to handle things. Nobody likes drastic change when it comes to their careers. Americans, on average, spend 70% of their waking hours, Monday through Friday, on work-related activities. That being said, to change your job is a lifestyle change. As Americans, we make our careers a part of our lives. For some a job is a status symbol and distinguishes oneself in society. How quickly in meeting a new person ask do you hear, "What do you do?" Pretty quickly.

For others a job allows a certain lifestyle. They join golf clubs, drive luxury cars, and own expensive homes. For many people, it is a feeling of power and responsibility. Most people wear many hats, and through different reorganizations, mergers, and title changes perform several different job functions. Most people don't even take vacation without calling into the office, giving the phone number where they are, or at least checking e-mail. So be smart, be informed, and go ahead and prepare in the event that you are laid off.

Be aware: There are warning signs to lay offs and ways to protect yourself

* The company you work for has announced hiring freezes either in your department or companywide. Work harder than you have ever worked in order to show your value.
* There are new rules in regard to vacation or internal processes such as expense reports. Recognize that this is often a process to weed out dead weight.
* Your company's stock has been on the "strong sell" list for the last quarter or corporate earnings have been flat or declining.
* A merger has recently taken place resulting in two people for each position, now it is a team effort to complete one job. Show them how much they need you and that the job was made for you!
* There have been changes in your industry or geographic area that lead you to believe that change is on the way. Keep on top of trends and show that you can adapt!

Be prepared: All the signs are there, so what next?

Copy all of your phone numbers and addresses of all buddies at work as well as any contacts that you think could come in handy. This is your network. You will need it later to see where friends have gone, what positions are out there, etc. If you take the time to do this thoroughly, you will have a great base of contacts.

If you have your resume on your computer, copy it on to a disk and take it home. You must get anything off of your computer that you need now or in the future. Once the axe falls, there won't be any time for housekeeping.

The axe falls — be smart!

You are called into your boss's office and given the news that you are being "let go", "downsized", "transitioned", or "reorganized." Basically, you are fired. No matter how politically correct they word it, you are out of a job. Whether you were one of the first to be let go or you are part of the growing majority, be sure to leave gracefully. Prepare yourself: They are going to walk you out of the office like you are a madman or criminal. You may think, "I have done great things for the company. Why must I leave now with an escort?" Unfortunately, this is how companies treat everyone these days. Your coworkers may also act differently. There will be many things that will surprise you the day you get the axe. Do not react!!

Think of it as psychological warfare. The quiet one is generally respected more than the one that pitches a temper tantrum. Don't be mad. Don't sign anything that you are given. Don't negotiate severance yet. Do nothing except be pleasant. Even when they walk you out of the building keep it together. Although it's hard to bear, staying calm and collected will serve you well in the long run.

Gather intelligence. Now is the time.

They have already knocked the wind out of you, and now they want to talk about severance. Do not make any quick decisions; do not let them bully you into deciding immediately. Don't let it happen too easily. You must negotiate. By now you have spoken with others who have been laid off. You should try to get some idea from friends in the company of what offers have been made to others. Now you know how to negotiate a strong package for yourself.

Negotiate your Severance.

Now is the time to take the gloves off. This is the start of your new unemployed life. Whether or not you negotiate a strong severance will be the difference between a low stress job search and a frantic race to take the first job offered. Let's say they offer 3 months salary and benefits. You come back with "At my level and in this declining industry, it is taking professionals one month for every $10,000 that they would like to make. Since I was making X with your current company, you expect it to take X months to find a new position. I think 10 months is fair."
or
You say, "With unemployment at 5.7% and with the market so competitive I just want to have time to find a good career match rather than jump at the first position. With my tenure/contributions with/to the company I am sure that you agree. I think 10 months sounds fair."
or
Play the sympathy card a little. Not too much, but a little. Say something like this, "Well Bob, I can say with all of my years with the company and the strong signals that the company sent to everyone about the stability of the company, I am a bit surprised. I am now 61 years old and I can't help but wonder why I would be laid off after so many years of service. It is going to be difficult to get back into the job market and I really want to be treated fairly."

These suggestions and similar responses are positive, because they place responsibility back on the company and open the door for negotiation. Of course, you will probably meet in the middle somewhere; however, the more you can get the better you will feel. However, if the company has a written severance policy that clearly spells out severance benefits, negotiations may not be allowed. Normally this is the case for very large companies or for organizations that are undergoing major layoffs.

Unemployment: Why not? It is on the company anyway.

You went out to lunch with the boss many times and the company paid. Did you feel bad then? Of course not. You shouldn't feel badly about taking unemployment either. Think of it positively. They have been "nice" enough to set an account up for you the whole time that you have been with the company in the event of this disaster; they have saved it for you all of this time. Now is your time to get some payback. File for unemployment!

Some people find it embarrassing; others think it is some kind of loan or feel as if they are asking for help. It is not. It is quick, it is easy, and you can do it with very little pain. Some states even allow you to file by phone. Following is where you go to find the office in your state. The U.S. Department of Labor can help you out.

Now remember, state laws vary, but in general when you receive unemployment depends on when you got your last payment from the company; this includes severance. If you received severance in a lump sum, divide it into monthly increments of your typical salary to see when you will be able to receive unemployment. If you receive severance monthly, when it stops your unemployment can begin.

Job search: It could be tax deductible!

The IRS will allow you to write off a lot of your job search, meaning it could be tax deductible. You can deduct certain expenses incurred in looking for a new job in you present occupation, even if you do not get a new job. According to IRS tax regulations, you can deduct amounts you spend for typing, printing, and mailing your job applications.

Sphere: Related Content

Telephone Interview Survival Tips

Caroline Levchuck

Some people think phone interviews are easier than in-person ones. Often, those people are wrong.

In person, it's easy to tell if an interviewer is tuning you out if you notice them staring off into space or sending messages on their BlackBerry. On the phone, you (and the interviewer) are missing out on important visual cues. You can't read the interviewer's body language.

So, how can a job seeker really dial into an interviewer's demeanor to tell if she's bored, distracted or underwhelmed?

Find a Happy Place

In the absence of sight, hearing becomes sharper. And interviewers can easily hear distraction over the phone.

Once you've scheduled a phone interview, locate a calm, quiet place where you can focus. Make sure you're not near a computer, TV or anything that will draw your attention away from the interview. Tell anyone who has access to the space that you are not to be disturbed unless catastrophe strikes.

Next, have a pen and paper handy to take notes during your interview. You should also have a copy of your resume so that when the interviewer refers to your experience, you can both literally be on the same page.

Finally, consider your attire, particularly if you're interviewing from your home. It's your prerogative to wear sweats, but may we suggest something closer to business attire? You'll feel more professional -- and, thus, you'll sound more professional.

Speak Easy

As soon as you answer the phone, you're on!

You want to start your phone interview off right. And, because the interviewer can't see you, she's listening even more carefully.

Make a conscious effort to sound upbeat and enthusiastic.

Smile. Interviewers can hear you smile -- and smiling can put you in a better state of mind. (Don't believe it? Try smiling when you're in a bad mood.)

If you feel your confidence wane, stand up. Standing can make your voice sound more powerful.

And always remember to breathe. It will help you stay calm and sound more relaxed.

Sounds of Silence

A phone interview isn't just about speaking. It's about listening.

To listen carefully, try closing your eyes when the interviewer is speaking so you can focus on what is being said.

This technique can also help you read the interviewer's mood. Is he interested and enthusiastic, or bored and distracted? Is the interview conversational? Are questions and answers flowing easily?

Listen hard after your responses. Did your response prompt additional questions or make the interviewer hesitate?

If the interviewer seems distracted, use one of the powerful questions you were saving for the "Do you have any questions?" section of the interview. A well-chosen question can re-engage him and put the interview back on track.

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to prepare for a phone interview: Practice.

Have a friend play the role of interviewer on the phone.

Provide her with some practice questions to ask. Give her a copy of your resume and have her come up with her own questions too.

Test different techniques while you're talking to her. Close your eyes while listening, stand while talking, smile while speaking. With her feedback, decide what works best.

You should also consider taping the conversation and listening to yourself afterward. You may be very surprised by what you hear. Finally, ask yourself, "Would I hire this person?"

If the answer isn't a resounding "yes," get back on the phone and get better prepared.

Sphere: Related Content

Lunchroom's Hits and Misses of Job Hunt

Looking for employment? While it’s important to stand out from the crowd, it also pays to remain professional in your job-hunting techniques. Robert Half International surveyed advertising and marketing executives for the most unique strategies people have used while looking for work. Here are tactics that hit the mark — and those that missed — during the job search.

Hit: “A candidate sent us a slick electronic portfolio. It was quick and to the point.”
Miss: “A guy organized a chain letter that included a request for me to send his resume to 12 other agencies.”

Hit: “A person offered to work for free on a trial basis. I hired her.”
Miss: “One candidate handcuffed himself to the desk during the interview.”

Hit: “When I was interviewing, a candidate turned the tables on me and asked, ‘If you were a bicycle, which part would you be?’ I answered, ‘The handle bars, so I would be in control and steering.’ I was impressed that he asked me that question, and I hired him.”
Miss: “We had a job seeker send us a singing telegram.”

Hit: “One person I met with e-mailed me a thank-you letter just 10 minutes after the interview.”
Miss: “One job seeker sent lottery tickets with her resume.”
Decisions, Decisions …

What pair of slacks should you wear? Is it a turkey sandwich or a salad sort of day? You probably make hundreds of snap decisions during the week, but you need more to go on in the business world. Your success at work depends on your ability to quickly move a project forward while making thoughtful choices. Whether you’re selecting a new vendor for your company or weighing in on a hiring decision, making the right call can enhance your reputation. If it sounds like more than an art than a science, don’t despair. Here are some suggestions to help you become a better decision maker:

Assume nothing.

Not collecting key facts and instead going purely on “instinct” can be a recipe for disaster. No matter how much of an expert you are, you should always take into account the most current and relevant information available.

Don’t go it alone.

Your colleagues may have helpful input about the pros and cons of the choice you’re making — they may even have been faced with similar situations themselves. Don’t limit your intelligence gathering to those within your company — members of your professional network also are good sources to tap for insight.

Be aware of your biases.

Try to be objective and prevent past experiences from affecting your current views. Make a side-by-side comparison of each possibility.

Take your time.

While there’s often pressure to deliver projects faster, rushing can lead to poor choices or sloppy work. Take the time to process the information and make sure you understand what’s expected of you.

Sphere: Related Content

Four Cover Letter Flops To Avoid

Resumes get a lot of attention during a job hunt. However, don't forget to give your cover letter its due. After all, employers usually review a cover letter prior to looking at your resume. If your cover letter doesn't pass muster, your resume won't ever get any attention at all.

Each time you craft a new cover letter, be sure to avoid these four flubs that can contribute to missed opportunities.

1. Gender Bender

Don't start things off on the wrong foot with a gender-specific salutation, such as "Gentlemen." In fact, it's best to completely avoid references to gender as they can seem dated and even offend someone who is transitioning to another gender. Rather, try to find out the name of the person who will be reviewing your resume and address the cover letter to that individual. If this isn't possible, opt for "To Whom It May Concern," the most neutral of all salutations.

2. One Letter Doesn't Fit All

It's fine to create a standard cover letter during your job search, but be sure that you use extreme caution when revising the letter for different employers. Common errors include listing the wrong job title, company name, date, or source of a job listing. Take the time to be sure that you've got your facts straight in each letter -- and while you're at it, spend a few more moments tailoring a unique response to each employer.

3. Size Matters

A cover letter should be just that -- a letter. Put thought into its content. While you don't want to submit a two-page tome, so to speak, you do want your cover letter to consist of more than a sentence or two. Three well-written paragraphs outlining your interest in the position and qualifications are ideal. Anything shorter could communicate a lack of effort while anything longer probably won't be read.

4. Take Direction Well

Employers want to know if you take direction well -- and that appraisal begins with your cover letter. If you're asked to send your resume to a particular person, make sure you do so. Follow any format requests (PDF, Microsoft Word, text documents, etc.). Also, if an ad states that you must include your salary requirements to be considered, do so if you really want to be considered for the position. Ignoring obvious instructions at the stage of the game is an easy way to guarantee you won't be hired.

Sphere: Related Content