Climb to the summit of job-hunting class

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:29:06 PST

Graduating in May? Congrats! Read comments

Do job seekers need a cover letter?

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:35:37 PST

Hiring professionals are divided about cover letters. Some don't read them. Others do. Read comments

Digest these tips for a successful business meal

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:58:32 PST

If you're a job applicant or ambitious employee, you should treat with care any job interviews or business meetings conducted over a meal. Read comments

Workers' input key to company's health

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:31:54 PST

Are you happy at work? Do you feel like your opinions matter? Are you asked for your input on decisions that affect your job? Read comments

It's time to reflect on the 2011 job market

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 21:16:20 PST

As 2011 draws to a close, the good news is that some job clubs are disbanding and others have been shrinking attendance. Read comments

To job hunters: Keep chins up during December's dog days

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:05:14 PST

For more than three decades in the human resource field, Gary Abram has seen a December dip in employers' requests for job candidate searches and a companion dip in hiring. But his message to job hunters is this: Don't despair. "January will come and the jets will fire up again," said the managing partner of HCap Search in Kansas City, Mo. Abram says vacations of key managers, holidays and end-of-year budget crimps often cause employers to suspend active recruitment in December. So it's easy for job hunters to feel bad this month, especially when their financial plight and joblessness run counter to the prevailing shopping and partying. That's normal and understandable. The stress and sadness can get relief, though, by keeping your focus on the turn of the calendar page. For reasons both budgetary and psychological, hirers are likely to ramp up again next month. That's why if you're looking for work, you shouldn't stop hunting right now. "Be realistic in the last few weeks of December, but don't let your activity wane," Abram advises job hunters. You probably won't get an immediate invitation for an interview. And you probably won't have a job in hand by New Year's Eve. But you will be in line for consideration. And you may get noticed sooner because a lot of your competition is taking a break from searching. Consider that holiday gatherings -- whether in your neighborhood, your church, your extended family, clubs or organizations -- are times to reconnect with or establish a network of contacts who might help you in your job search. And it's wise to keep your eyes and ears open for news of companies that are relocating or expanding into your area. Also keep in mind that your most effective job hunt may be to take a part-time or contract job with an organization. That is likely to be your best route to full-time employment if and when the employer is ready to make a commitment. Read comments

FresnoBee.com: Diane Stafford

Climb to the summit of job-hunting class

Do job seekers need a cover letter?

Digest these tips for a successful business meal

Workers' input key to company's health

It's time to reflect on the 2011 job market

To job hunters: Keep chins up during December's dog days