Tweeting in the Army?

Tweeting about the awful boss or the interview from hell may be therapeutic--but it doesn't look good to future employers.

Sure, it's true but job searches aren't about truth. Employers are looking for "relentlessly positive". (Guess they didn't see that movie about the Titanic. "There are no icebergs so we don't need lifeboats.")

Thinking about the military? The Army site doesn't say what they're looking for. An unofficial site reports you have to be 17-42 and within weight limits, among other requirements. Starting pay is about $17,611 annually with housing and food free if you're on base.

As always, there's inside info on doing it right. Here's 10 secrets to visiting an Army recruiter.


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Add your photo

You interviewed and they loved you. But how do they remember you when looking at your résumé later? Print your photo on your résumé. It's unconventional so don't use it if your research indicates the company is traditional. But consider it elsewhere as one way to stand out from the crowd.

It's who you know more than ever. You need to meet people (online and in person) and build value for them. So when you're ready to apply, there's someone on the inside to vouch for you.

Persistence and follow up is a must today. You can't rely on the employer to make the next move after you apply. Let them know you're interested and excited!

Consider joining or starting a job club for encouragement and help.


More ideas on successful job searching: How to Find a Job. Available for just $1.50 from Kindle or Nook. Or instant PDF download

Job hunting expenses may be tax deductible. Check with your accountant. (Report: 4,566 words)

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Strange advice about your objective

The objective on your résumé must match the company's job description exactly or no one will read it, the Huffington Post says. That's a new one. If it were true, what would working for that company be like?

Susan Whitcomb, a superb job search author, argues here that Twitter is an essential part of the hunt.

Indian youth are surfing to find out about a company before the interview. But they're worried about what personal content online says about them.

Here's a good summary of lots of scams trying to separate new job seekers from their money.

If you're tired of job searching near home, they're looking for experienced hospitality and forestry people in Rotorua, New Zeland (that's on the North Island).

Want some structure to your search for job opportunities? Check out How to Find a Job. Available for just $1.50 from Kindle or Nook. Or instant PDF download

Job hunting expenses may be tax deductible. Check with your accountant. (Report: 4,566 words)

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Know the answer (your competition does)

One panelist suggests the old rule about don't be the first to mention money is outmoded. With 24,508 applicants for 50 positions, salary requirements are used to screen out people.

An applicant says she'll deflect the question by asking "What's the salary range for this position?"

Lady, you don't know the answer? Why are you in the interview if you don't know what the job is worth? If your networking hasn't told you the range, at least you should have done web research on the market price for the position.

The modern job search is not like it used to be. You can't interview cold, in ignorance. Especially not when there are almost 500 people vying for your job.


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Somebody else is trying the sandwich board approach. Does this say "creativity" or "desperate"? He says he's gotten two interviews out of it.


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Teens, friends, and remember

Adults are taking jobs that used to go to teenagers, this speaker says.

Job hunting is tough and you should not solo--have somebody to talk you, to help keep you sane.

Longevity used to be good. Now, five years in the same job may cause an employer to raise an eyebrow What happened to this applicant's ambition?

They might have a point. Are you still learning anything from that job after that long?

So don't forget the job search skills you're learning now as you look--you'll be using them again in a little while.


---the step by step: How to Find a Job. Available for just $1.50. Job hunting expenses may be tax deductible. Check with your accountant. From Kindle or Nook. Or instant PDF download

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Should you be knocking on doors?

Just show up at each job you want, this Temple University graduation speaker says.

Maybe. Comedian Jay Leno once got turned down for an auto shop job, he writes in Leading With My Chin. He just went to the mechanics and said "I'm the new guy. What do you want me to do?" By the time the manager noticed him days later, the mechanics wanted him to stay. He got the job.

But today showing up uninvited means you're going to see a lot of receptionists. If you stumble on a decisionmaker, will they be happy at your interruption?

I think building your network--online and in person--and showing what you can do before the word "job" is mentioned works far better for your job hunt. Plus you won't tick anyone off.

The Bermuda Regiment has a library of sharp suits for soldiers or war veterans needing to look good for an interview. That's an idea others might want to take up.

Your résumé is your advertisment, not your autobiography, this author reminds us.


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Getting unstuck and deducting it

Be aware of self-imposed roadblocks and deal with them, this blog entry about how to find a job reminds.

Whether you're a positive thinking fan of not, imagining "I will never find a job" is probably not productive.

Don't be afraid to talk to someone--maybe a trained therapist--to reframe your situation so you can get moving.

To be deductible, job hunting expenses must exceed 2% of your adjusted gross income and meet other conditions, according to this article.


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