If you are like most people in the midst of a job search, you probably haven’t given your references much thought. You’ve likely spent more time on your resume, cover letter and networking activities. But references can have a significant impact on the final hiring decision. You need to be ready at a moment’s notice to provide potential employers with at least three solid references.Human resource managers almost always ask for references when they are seriously considering someone for a position. You want to make sure that you provide a list of individuals that will speak about you in a posit... view article details

More Important Than Content – 4 Ideas for the Perfect Cover Letter Format As a jobseeker, you know the importance of a resume, but often ignore cover letter format. Some people may think a cover letter template is just a simplified resume or summary of the job information they found on a professional HR website, others hire cover letter writers online to help write their content for them. However, they may never realize that their cover letter format for resume is the reason they aren't landing the jobs they want. In order to achieve the best cover letter format, st... view article details

From the Wording to the Format, Think Hard About What Goes on Your Resume The Importance of a Plan Developing a resume, especially when it’s your own, can be a nail-biting experience. Most people do not have to use a resume except every few years so getting the resume ready is not like writing an email – something that is done every day. There are so many different aspects to a great resume -- content, wording, style, format, design -- but most importantly, strategy. The strategy part is where most people miss the boat and fall in the water. Most job seekers do not consider the audience and... view article details

Q: I have researched all over about what kind of compensation you should get for being on call, but have found nothing. Right now I get paid for three extra hours each week for being on call Monday through Sunday from 7pm to 5am. When I get called in, I am guaranteed a minimum of two hours' pay. When I was employed at another company I was on call for a week and I got paid two hours on the hour after my regular work day (16 hours), and that was for seven days. When I got called in I got paid for four hours automatically.This seems like a big difference. I would like some information to present... view article details

Q: I'm a mailroom clerk for a publishing company and make $17,889 a year before taxes. I logged on to Salary.com to see if I'm making the right amount of money, and I was shocked to see that I am underpaid by at least $4,257. But when I first interviewed with the company, I requested $16,000 in my cover letter and received $17,889, not knowing how much I really should be making. How should I approach my boss about this situation - because it's not fair.A: You had asked for the company to offer you a salary of $16,000, yet they gave you $17,889, nearly $2,000 more. Your company clearly has a mi... view article details

Q. I have been trying to contact my human resource department to get a fair market value (pay range) for the position I have held for 6 years. My HR department has told me they do not have the fair market value of my position. The bank I work for does have pay ranges and I have asked for those, but the HR department said the pay ranges do not mean anything because they overlap.How can I find out what I am worth? How can I get this information from my employer to compare other positions in my area?A. Pay ranges and pay grades are tools companies use to help them administer their pay programs. C... view article details

Q. I have been trying to contact my human resource department to get a fair market value (pay range) for the position I have held for 6 years. My HR department has told me they do not have the fair market value of my position. The bank I work for does have pay ranges and I have asked for those, but the HR department said the pay ranges do not mean anything because they overlap.How can I find out what I am worth? How can I get this information from my employer to compare other positions in my area?A. Pay ranges and pay grades are tools companies use to help them administer their pay programs. C... view article details

It Might Not Be Illegal, But Employers Should be Wary More than two weeks after the Associated Press reported on the trend of employers demanding access to applicants' Facebook accounts, politicians, job hunters and the social network itself continue to grapple with the story's ramifications. The uproar began when AP reporters Manuel Valdes and Shannon McFarland wrote a story recounting several incidents of jobseekers being asked to provide their Facebook passwords to potential employers or to log onto their accounts, allowing the hiring company to peruse private posts, messages and ph... view article details

Top 5 Fastest-Growing and Best Paying Jobs Without a College Degree According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are several fast-growing occupations requiring only an Associates Degree, vocational training, or on the job training that offer moderate to high earning potential. We researched these jobs and developed a list of the highest paying jobs in this category, all of which will experience double-digit growth in the coming years. Read about the top five best paying jobs without a degree and the respective salary data for these jobs in your geographical area. Jobs That Pay the Most W... view article details

In an economy where jobs still haven't rebounded, those who are employed don't want to do anything to jeopardize their current job -- including looking for a new one. Fortunately, you don't have to put your career advancement on hold, or let opportunities pass you by. This article explores 12 ways to look for a new job, while keeping your current one safe.1. Shhhhhh… Choose your confidants carefully. Don’t tell your boss or your co-workers that you’re looking for a new job. Sharing this information with the wrong people will ensure that you’ll be move... view article details