job applications

10 recession proof businesses


Tired of this recession? So are we! Job security is a highly sought after commodity in this economic downturn and one of the best ways to earn it is to find a recession-proof business. Such businesses are traditionally defined as industries that either thrive during rotten economic times or at least survive unscathed being less affected by credit crunches.

Here are some of the best industries to get behind when the going gets tough.

5 signs that your job applications are doomed to fail


1) Have you been unemployed for more than 8 weeks?
2) Have you been sending out job application after job application and not been called back at all?
3) If you have you been contacted by different recruiters repeatedly, do they fail to follow up for an 2nd or 3rd interview in person?
4) Do you think your work experience is lousy and feel that employers would never want to bother with you as a future employee?
5) Are you randomly applying to a wide variety of jobs with the same resume?

28 questions you wished you had asked during your interview

“Do you have any questions for me?” This is your moment! Your chance to find out if you really want this job. Don’t waste it, have some questions ready.

Esther Schindler’s list of 28 questions are aimed at programming positions but her insight will help even if you’re looking to be a fry cook. Find out about the team, the management the work environment all the things you wish you’d asked about your last job.

Are you a job babbling cliche?


Commonly (ab)used jargon. Whether you are a student looking for that first time or summer job or a long time veteran looking for a change of pace, this JOB SEARCH JARGON should help you get on your way. Enjoy!

COMPETITIVE SALARY: We remain competitive by paying less than our competitors.
FLEXIBLE HOURS: Work 55 hours; get paid for 37.5.
GOOD COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Management communicates, you listen, figure out what they want you to do.
ABILITY TO HANDLE A HEAVY WORKLOAD: You whine, you're fired.

10 job search habits to break in 2011

By Kim Thompson (San Francisco Chronicle Blog)

Here's the challenge: Are the things you're doing to find a job the right things? Are your activities producing results, or are you doing things you've always done and getting little in return?
It's not that you set out to develop job-search habits that don't work. Often, these habits develop over time, until they're barriers, not productive tools.