There are many common mistakes that people make on their resumes. These mistakes are often fatal. As the primary introductory marketing document for your job search. these are items to avoid:

An “Objective” statement. This is all fluff, and most recruiters and hiring mangers don’t even bother to read it.

Poor grammar. there is no excuse for poor grammar. Be careful about relying too heavily on spell and grammar check – there are many variations of the same words that have vastly different meanings, spellings, usages, and the like.

A resume that reads like a tombstone. That’s what I call them, anyway. Just listing your past jobs and their duties doesn’t really tell anyone anything about you. Always ask yourself – “why am I listing this. What do I hope the person reading it gets from it?”. If you can’t answer that, nix the entry.

Make it easy for the reader to pick out key words related to the specific position for which you are applying so that they see relevance; they are likely to go back and read what you’ve written far more carefully; after all, that’s what you want, right?

Too many pages. If you’re new to the world of work, your resume should not be more than one page, absent some very, very compelling reason. If you’re experienced, try to keep it to two pages; for highly experienced executives, it is often the case that resumes will go beyond two pages in order to highlight relevant accomplishments. The key is to have information that is valuable to the reader: fluff doesn’t fly in this case, and it’s the easiest way for a recruiter or a hiring manager not to continue (or even to start) reading your resume. Not what you want.

Keep enough white space on the resume so that it’s pleasing to the eye and easy to read. Cramming more data into smaller margins or fonts only makes it harder to read; the harder it is to read, the less likely it will be read.

Use chronological order. Functional resumes are good for career changers, or those with many jobs and/or gaps in employment. Most well trained recruiters and hiring managers are going to be immediately suspicious if they see a functional resume, so if you want to use one, and there certainly are times when it’s appropriate, be sure you know why and that it serves the purpose for which it is intended: to get you an interview!!

Cover letters. There is a wide disparity of opinion about cover letters. I still find them valuable. It’s a chance for me to check out your writing skills, your thought process, and perhaps for you to tell me a bit more about why you’re a great fit for the position that I may have open than I would otherwise glean from reading your resume.

In a highly competitive job market, hirers’ expectations for every part of the hiring process are inflated. It used to be enough to list your jobs and education on your resume. Now you should quantify achievements and specify how they benefited your employer in terms of time saved and profits.

It used to be enough to follow the stated directions for submitting an application. Now you want to network your way directly to the hiring manager.

So it’s no surprise that the once-humble thank you note is escalating into a major piece of marketing communications.

The thank you note is a valuable opportunity to supplement the interviewer’s notes with your take on what was discussed during the interview, answer questions that caught you by surprise or create an opportunity for your follow-up, and most important, to communicate that you do want the job.

Just as the cover letter and resume are marketing tools, so is the thank you. Writing this kind of thank you takes thought and effort. And just as you want your resume to be perfect, the same is true of the thank you.

Here are some tips: Express your enthusiasm overtly. Say outright you want the job. Of course, some of your enthusiasm is implied-you wouldn’t write a full-page letter unless you really want the job.

Some say a thank you should be hand written… but I disagree. That’s OK for a note thanking granny for home-baked cookies, but a well-developed letter that advances your cause has got to be prepared on a computer. It takes too much revision to be dashed off in ink.

Anyway, this thank you will be long. Generally you’ll want to confine it to one page but this is still of lot of handwriting, especially if yours is hard to read.

Promptness is good, of course, but it is possible to be too prompt. If you send an email thank you from the lobby right after the interview, it looks suspiciously like a form letter to which you have simply added the recipient’s name and then pressed “send.”

Email or postal mail? Why not ask the hirer at the end of the interview?

As you discuss “next steps,” simply say that you appreciate this opportunity, plan to reflect on what was discussed and send a few follow-up ideas. Then ask which way they prefer receiving your note.

Of course, this puts the pressure on you to follow through. All for the good!

If you were interviewed by more than one individual, write a different thank you to each. Don’t send out even one until you can send them all.

Why?

As you write, you may run out of things to say in the last note. Then you’ll want to reapportion your good points differently to hit every letter. (And of course, you can repeat points, though ideally you will change out the exact wording a bit.)

If you intend to write thank yous, prepare for it. First, ask each individual for his or her business card. Then between interviews (if possible) or at the end of them all, jot down each interviewer’s most important concerns and a few words to remind you what to say in the thank you.

Admittedly, the kind of notes I recommend take a little time. Ideally you should get it out in 24 hours, but I believe it is better to take two days to do it right than 10 minutes to cross it off your list and get on to the next task.

Today, simply getting an interview is a real achievement. So maximize this opportunity with a written thank you note that sets you apart from the competition.

Human Resources professionals, recruiters and others who interview job applicants seem to have a fondness for that much-dreaded question about how you would describe your own weaknesses. As much as those hiring love to ask the question, almost every job seeker hates to answer it. Describe your weaknesses is a double-edged sword of a question. There is no one right answer to it. However it is definitely one of the most important questions you will face in a job interview.

Before a job interview it is critical to have a response ready for the weakness question. Failing to answer the question or giving a lame off-the-cuff answer will not cut it. Those who are hiring know that the weakness question is no secret and therefore they expect you to have a prepared response.

When describing weaknesses in a job interview, keep the following tips in mind:

- Don’t describe perfectionism as a weakness. Once thought to be the perfect answer, it is overused and is cliched.

- All humans have weaknesses, including the person interviewing you. Therefore choose to describe an actual weakness that you have and give real examples. However, be wary about which weakness you choose to divulge. Do not mention weaknesses that make you look like an absolute terrible choice as an employee. Avoid talking about mental instability or things that would make someone question your values, morals and integrity. The weakness should be one that is work-relevant.

- Be sure to mention exactly how you are working to overcome your weakness. It shows great character that you are self-aware enough to be conscious of your weaknesses and have a plan for overcoming or compensating for them.

- Describing past weaknesses and showing how you have overcome them is always a great way to treat this question.

Remember to keep in mind the type of job you are applying for and the skills required for it. Mentioning the fact that you are non-confrontational may not be a plus for someone in a customer service type of position, but may be okay for a computer programmer. Being talkative may be a drawback for an accountant or actuary. However, it is definitely a plus for a salesperson. Choosing a weakness that is actually a strength in disguise for the job you are applying is a very smart tactic.

Some weaknesses that are acceptable to divulge, depending on the job you are applying for and the way you present them include the following:

- Competitive
- Impatient
- Too Demanding
- Lack of Organization
- Not Detail Oriented
- Critical
- Sensitive

When dealing with the weakness question in an interview, above all be honest. It is easy to detect lies, especially for those who frequently interview potential job candidates. Have a great answer ready and answer the question with confidence. After all, we really do all have weaknesses. Being able to admit to it and show your dedication to self-improvement proves that you are great employee material.

To ace a phone interview and get that follow-up sit down interview you have to be prepared.

Let’s learn what it takes to ace a phone interview.

Do your Homework

Find out who you will be interviewing you prior to your phone interview. Write down the names of the people you will be speaking with so you can properly address them.

Learn any background information you can about the interviewer and the company by going online to their website. Being informed helps leave them with a good impression of you.

Get it Together

Get your thoughts together before the phone interview.

Write down a list of your qualifications, accomplishments and goals. You should even have a weakness written down in case you are asked for one.

Make sure you outline how you are working on your weakness, so you can explain that information along with your weakness if asked.

Practice Makes Perfect

Whether you do it on the phone or in person, an interview is an interview – and you need to be prepared. Practice answering typical interview questions with a friend or family member until you are comfortable answering them.

Test One, Two

Check your interview location thoroughly before your phone interview. Make sure the room is quiet and organized.

Have a paper and a pen ready in case you need to write anything down. Make sure you have a copy of your resume easily accessible. Check the phone you will be using by doing a test call with a friend or family member.

Make sure the audio is good on that phone. Additionally, have them answer some questions with you and rate you on your tone and clarity.

Interviewing

Make sure when you are interviewing that you have done everything possible to be prepared. Eliminate any audio and visual distractions so you can focus solely on the phone interview.

Make sure the people you live with are aware of your phone interview so they do not disturb you while it is still in progress. Make sure that you are polite, professional, enthusiastic and responsive to the questions and conversation.

Be Yourself

Your interviewer will be able to tell if you are simply agreeing with everything they say or telling them exactly what they want to hear. They want to know that you can think for yourself and have a fresh outlook and new ideas to add to their company; they will appreciate you showing them that you can think for yourself. Give them a glimpse of why they should hire you and what you can add to their business.

In the best-case scenario, you fill your banker’s box with your family photos and candy stash (and toss in a few pens), bid farewell to your coworkers without welling up and quietly exit the office for the last time.

In the worst-case scenario, you burst into tears, scream at the HR folks escorting you from the premises and receive a lawyer’s letter after revealing proprietary secrets on your blog.

But whatever the circumstances, your ego gets a thorough bruising when you lose a job. That’s one of the reasons it can be so tough to find another position.

Laid-off or fired people find it harder and harder to find a new job with every passing month, statistics show. Start by assessing what you can offer companies. Take inventory of what’s going to help you stand out to an employer.

Because networking remains the best way to find a job, don’t sit in front of your computer in your PJs. Get out there and shake it. Just like dating; look good, smile lots, talk to lots of people.

Online networking is also a must. Sign up for LinkedIn and use your profile to post your resume, a photo and information that will differentiate you from others in your industry. Essentially, make a web presence for yourself.

The process of finding a new position starts with having a good understanding of the role you’re applying for and how your skills, experiences and accomplishments will help you succeed in that role. But there are a number of ways in which job seekers can increase their chances. One big thing is including key words from a job application in your cover letter and resume. HR departments use software to screen large volumes of applications, and these programs rely on key words.

It’s far easier to find a good job early on. When time wears on and you’re feeling the financial crunch, you’re more likely to make poor choices. Be proactive; get the ball rolling yourself!

New York unemployment benefits provide temporary compensation to those workers meeting the eligibility requirements of New York law. The New York State Department of Labor and each other state’s unemployment office administers its own unemployment insurance program within Federal guidelines.
The value of unemployment benefits in New York differs from that of other states because each state unemployment office applies its own formulas and limits when calculating the level of unemployment compensation.
The duration of unemployment benefits in New York may also differ from that of other states.

Eligibility for New York Unemployment Benefits
The basic requirements for collecting unemployment are:

* You must have been employed. The New York State Department of Labor publishes requirements for wages earned or time worked during an established period of time referred to as a “base period.”
* You must be determined to be unemployed through no fault of your own as defined under New York law.
* You must file ongoing claims and respond to questions concerning your continued eligibility. You must report any earnings from work and any job offers or refusal of work during any claim period.
* Meet any other unemployment eligibility requirements of New York law.

For complete details see the Unemployment Insurance section of the New York State Department of Labor website. Or you can call the NYS Unemployment Insurance Telephone Claims Center for unemployment related questions from the number listed below.
1-877-358-5306

In this article, I am going to give you four critical steps you must take if you want to find that job and get hired during a recession.

Step #1 – Get organized

I am constantly amazed how executives who were driven and forceful in their jobs become lost in how to start their job search. Getting organized includes these elements:

1. Treat your job search as a full time job. Totally dedicate your time to finding a job. Inform your family that your full-time job is to find a full-time job and nothing else!

2. Act as if your job search was a product or service launch. Plan your executive level job search campaign. Don’t wing it. Organize your activities in a project plan and measure yourself against your milestones and sub-goals.

3. Start your day just like you would if you were employed. Did you start your day at 7:00am and end it at 6:00pm? Then do the same for your job search.

4. Create goals for every day and every event. Get a daily goal and meet it. Develop your networking goals for each event and stay until you achieve them.

Step #2 – Get help

For many, getting help is equivalent to going to the dentist. But getting help is the smartest thing to kick-start your executive level job search campaign. Getting help includes:

1. Ask for a review of your resume. There are many services available to review your resume for free. Better yet, pay an expert to write your resume.

2. Learn from the experts. There are many experts out there that write articles like this one. Many experts also have website tools that are available for free downloads. Take advantage of these resources.

3. Get a career coach. For executives who earn more than $100K+, getting advice for your particular situation is a wise investment Make sure, however, that your coach teaches you how to fish, not just fishes for you.

4. Get a support group. When you launch a job search campaign when the headlines are awful, being upbeat and positive is extremely difficult. Get a small group of business associates and friends who can help you during this time.

Step #3 – Get real

Just a short while ago, executives could expect to find a new position in about 90 to 120 days. Now, realistically, it can take upwards of 8 to 10 months. Getting real includes:

1. Do what it takes to survive a 10-month search. Expecting your search to go faster and not preparing for the long haul is just nuts. Reduce your expenses to just what is necessary and cut back.

2. Invest in your career. Now is the time to invest in your career and not try to “do-it-yourself.” Investments include coaching, books, tools, events, memberships, and travel to targeted cities.

3. Develop quantitative benchmarks and metrics. Analyze your job search results and measure them against standards. When you do this, you’ll be able to improve along the way which guarantees results faster.

4. Design qualitative feedback loops. Behaviors are qualitative and you can “measure” reactions to your oral and written pitch. Their reaction is a qualitative feedback loop that you can automatically gauge.

Step #4 – Get Clear

Getting a message that is clear and succinct takes work. And trying to figure out what you want next is also hard. Getting clear includes:

1. Do extensive research on target companies and industries. The Internet has a wealth of information. My recommendation is to conduct research at least 1 hour per day – above and beyond job posting searches.

2. Test your messages within networking groups. Take someone out for coffee. Try out your verbal pitch, and get their feedback. I tell my clients that they should attend at least 2 different networking groups a week during their job search campaign.

3. Know what’s happening around you. Know what’s happening around the globe. Integrate current affairs into your oral and written pitch and show how you can address the issues of the day.

4. Stay focused and determined. Persistence is the key to finding a $100K+ executive level position during an economic downturn. Direction is the result and movement in your job search is guaranteed.

There’s no doubt that going on a job interview is a critical portion of a job candidate’s application process. If you were lucky enough to have a resume that got you through the door, the interview will provide you with an opportunity to further prove that you’re right for the position.

However, it’s quite common for a valid, potentially hirable job candidate to get into an interview and “fumble the ball.” If you’re not careful, you can easily make some minor mistakes that will ruin your chances at a position. So before going on your next interview, take a look at these mistakes that could definitely ruin it.

Don’t Arrive Late (or Too Early)

One fatal error that could hurt your chances of acquiring the position you desire is to arrive to the job interview late. The time of the hiring manager is very valuable, and you’re showing disrespect and confusing his plans. If you show up late, you give an indication of what the employer could expect from you as an employee – not a good thing.

However, it’s also good to keep in mind that arriving too early could work against you too. While arriving 15 minutes prior to the interview is perfectly acceptable, arriving 30 minutes early could also through off the interviewer’s schedule and is generally frowned upon.

Don’t Trash a Previous Employer

If you had a bad experience with a previous employer, don’t tell the prospective employer about it. If you left your last employer because you constantly clashed with your boss, simply say that your goals weren’t in line with your old company. But to say that the manager “sucks” will likely leave a bad taste in the interviewers mouth.

Don’t Get Too “Familiar”

Some hiring managers have complained that job applicants often get too familiar or friendly with them during an interview. If you’re talking about your bad kids or mentioning the wart on your back, you may not get called back for the position.

Don’t Dress Inappropriately (or Sloppy)

We all know that wearing a t-shirt or provocative attire is unacceptable during an interview, but many employers also frown upon attire that looks cheap, or even you not ironing your suit or having scuffs in your shoes. Remember, if there’s ever a time to look your best, it’s during a job interview.

Don’t Question Pay and Benefits Too Soon

You may be anxious to know whether the position you’re interested in will pay will or offer health insurance benefits, but the time to ask is not when you walk through the door for the interview. If during the interview, you’re offered the position then it’s good to be prepared to negotiate. Hold your tongue until that point, though, if you don’t want to appear to have a sense of entitlement.

If you think in terms of what you should and should not do in an interview, you can strengthen your chances of getting the position you want. Besides, what’s the point in working so hard on a resume if you’re just going to sabotage the efforts in your interview?

At large companies, recruiters rely on a computer program called an applicant tracking system that stores and filters resumes to find the best candidates for a job. To make the match, ATS software relies on keywords – words and phrases that tell the program a candidate is a good match for a specific job description. Just as search engines like Google use keywords to find the right Web pages, ATS software uses keywords to find the right resumes.

How Employers Use Keywords

While they can’t guess the exact keywords recruiters are using, resume writers try to find the likeliest possibilities for your industry and function.

Where do you find the right keywords to include in your resume? Professional resume writers recommend you start with the job posting, which will contain a description of duties and qualifications. The ATS will try to match as many of the words in the job posting to the words on your resume. The more matches, the better the fit and the better the chances you will get an interview.

Repeated words, section headings and specific terms comprise good candidates for keyword selection. Also look at similar job postings as a cross-reference to find the most likely candidates for keywords. Recruiters and headhunters can often guide you. Online and print publications also include guides for keyword research.

Other sources of keyword research:

1. Go to Web sites that represent companies and associations related to the candidate’s target industry in search of other buzzwords.

2. Search LinkedIn profiles of users who have similar jobs to see what keywords they’re using.

3. Go to association Web sites to see what keywords other industry professionals have used.

While you’re researching keywords, keep a master list to make sure the important words are represented in your resume when you apply for specific jobs.

The specific words employers seek relate to the skills and experiences that demonstrate your experience with the skills necessary to do the job. Both hard and soft skills will fall in this category. Industry- and job-specific skills are almost always included in keyword lists. Highly technical fields can also include specific jargon or terms that demonstrate subject expertise. Job titles, certifications, types of degrees, college names and company names also demonstrate an applicant’s qualifications. Awards and professional organizations can also be considered strong keywords.

Ultimately, job hunters should ask themselves, “What keywords would I use if I were writing this job description?”

At large companies, recruiters rely on a computer program called an applicant tracking system that stores and filters resumes to find the best candidates for a job. To make the match, ATS software relies on keywords – words and phrases that tell the program a candidate is a good match for a specific job description. Just as search engines like Google use keywords to find the right Web pages, ATS software uses keywords to find the right resumes.

How Employers Use Keywords

While they can’t guess the exact keywords recruiters are using, resume writers try to find the likeliest possibilities for your industry and function.

Where do you find the right keywords to include in your resume? Professional resume writers recommend you start with the job posting, which will contain a description of duties and qualifications. The ATS will try to match as many of the words in the job posting to the words on your resume. The more matches, the better the fit and the better the chances you will get an interview.

Repeated words, section headings and specific terms comprise good candidates for keyword selection. Also look at similar job postings as a cross-reference to find the most likely candidates for keywords. Recruiters and headhunters can often guide you. Online and print publications also include guides for keyword research.

Other sources of keyword research:

1. Go to Web sites that represent companies and associations related to the candidate’s target industry in search of other buzzwords.

2. Search LinkedIn profiles of users who have similar jobs to see what keywords they’re using.

3. Go to association Web sites to see what keywords other industry professionals have used.

While you’re researching keywords, keep a master list to make sure the important words are represented in your resume when you apply for specific jobs.

The specific words employers seek relate to the skills and experiences that demonstrate your experience with the skills necessary to do the job. Both hard and soft skills will fall in this category. Industry- and job-specific skills are almost always included in keyword lists. Highly technical fields can also include specific jargon or terms that demonstrate subject expertise. Job titles, certifications, types of degrees, college names and company names also demonstrate an applicant’s qualifications. Awards and professional organizations can also be considered strong keywords.

Ultimately, job hunters should ask themselves, “What keywords would I use if I were writing this job description?”