With the ease of submitting your resume through email and filling out applications electronically, it has become even easier for Tampa area employers to just hit the ignore button. Listening to readers, I am seeing that more and more job seekers are getting no reply, rather than a "no."

I caught an article from an HR rep who also writes for Brazen Careerist who stated 3 things that applicants do to warrant a "no response" or "no job." Rachel Robbins list is as follows.

1. Don’t Have the Basic Qualifications - If you know I’m looking for someone with a clean driving record don’t bother to apply if your license is currently suspended. If you know I’m requiring knowledge of a specific skill, system, etc. you’re probably not going to get the job if you don’t have it.
2. Being too Aggressive before the Interview - I’ve discussed this before on my blog. A perfect example from just this week: Candidate calls to return my call. I’m unavailable so he leaves a voice mail. Candidate continues to call twice more in the next hour. At this point I was purposely not taking his calls. PS. I love my receptionist.
3. Want too much money - If you’re applying for an entry level job don’t expect to make +$35,000. If you’ve been applying for a while and you’re certain that your interviewing skills and resume are great then salary is what is keeping you unemployed. Remember, at some point less money is better than no money.

I think these are great things to consider when applying for a position. You do not need to waste any time when paychecks are not coming in, and recruiters could spend more time looking at qualified candidates (which could be you) and less time weeding through "bad applicants."

Other things to note are:

Non specific objective. Simply stating, I want to use my experience to work for an organization," simply won't cut it anymore. Get into the job and let the recruiter know that you would be a great fit for them and why in 1-2 sentences.

General cover letter. If you are going to take the time to send it, at least make it worthwhile for a recruiter to read it. With the amount of cover letters they see everyday, all with the same body, you need to grab their attention and say how you can help "them."

So keep applying, but apply smart. And now you have a little knowledge into what the other end of the application sees and thinks, and knowing is half the battle!

Happy hunting Tampa!

-Greg Rollett

Although we have experienced a seasonal decline in help wanted demand over the past couple of weeks (Memorial Day though the end of June tends to be one of the slowest periods of the year for companies recruiting workers) our metro area continues to be one of the sunniest places to be when it comes to seeking employment. While documented job growth for the Pittsburgh Region is up almost 9,000 jobs from April 2007, we continue to see the opportunities being presented by then need for replacement workers. One of the hottest categories for both new jobs and turnover replacement is in the hospitality industry (hotels and restaurants).

Fortunately the strength is fairly broad based. According the Monster Online Employment Index for April; “On an annual basis, seven of the 28 monitored markets are showing more online job opportunities than a year ago, with Pittsburgh again ranking as the Index’s top growth market year-over-year, a position it has held for three consecutive months”.

Nursing and Allied Healthcare continue to add jobs month by month and locally the demand for drivers has not abated. In what is one of the devastated industries around the country, fanacial services are regaining strength here, including with the announcement just today of an additional 135 jobs to be added by BONY/Mellon for their Treasury Services division.

Pittsburgh continues to weather the economic slowdown better than most predicted just 6 months ago.

Summer jobs are everywhere - from lifeguards, to waiters and waitresses, to retail opportunities, to amusement parks and hotels. Finding the right one for you can be a bit frustrating, especially given the current economic climate. However, there's good news for summer job seekers: one of the biggest industries in summer jobs, hospitality, continues to grow. After all, the world loves to eat and travel! The United States has one of the biggest hospitality industries, with over 1 million food service operations and hundreds of thousands of hotels, resorts and entertainment facilities spread across it's urban landscape.

One of the biggest aspects of the hospitality industry is customer service. Whether you're waiting tables, the front desk attendant at a hotel, the resort's golf pro, or a ride operator at an amusement park, you're going to deal with customers on a daily basis. Learning how to work with others is all important. You're basically an ambassador to your organization, maintaining diplomacy between the nations of Guest and Host. It's been said that if just one person has a bad experience with a company, they will go on to tell ten of their friends just how awful it was. Their friends will spread the word to ten of their friends, and so on and so on.

So how do you maintain excellent customer service? Attitude is key. Just starting the day with a smile to your coworkers can get things off on the right foot. Breeding positivity in your workplace will help your company grow by ensuring that smile is passed down the line. So get to know your coworkers. Don't be afraid to make friends, just keep it professional when at work.

Get to know your company. Being confident that your organization is the right fit for you will go a long way to improving your customer service. Does your company reflect your values and ethics? Do they offer competitive wages and benefits? Do they work with you to get the job done? Knowing how your company works, inside and out, helps you get your job done better, and shows interest in your job. Everybody wants to be noticed!

Of course, there will always be people and situations that you'll encounter in your job that you don't like. Knowing how to accept and adapt to these negatives is valued and appreciated, and will help you and your guests get a positive experience from your position. Remember, whenever people are enthusiastic about their job, they will do it better.

You can find summer job opportunities and hospitality jobs on EmploymentGuide.com. Just type in "summer jobs" or "hospitality" in the search field and then apply online. Everybody wants to have a great summer. Get yours started today!

With the heat of the summer in Tampa and West Florida, comes graduation season. Thousands of college students are walking the aisle, getting their diplomas and heading into the workforce.

Top organizations know that marketing to Generation-Y, the Millennials, is important and necessary to acquire and retain top talent from this group. Gen-Y is patient. Gen-Y moves back home and waits for the perfect opportunity.

As an employer, how can you show these individuals that you are the perfect fit for them?

You need to be where the action is! Millennials are looking for jobs in the usual places, Employment Guide newspapers and on job boards, both large and specific to a niche and they are also doing research on Social Networks and corporate websites.

What are you doing to stand out from the pack? Is a bland print ad going to get the attention of a 20-something who is accustomed to watching YouTube videos, chatting on IM and reading blogs?

Is your HR department prepared to deal with the demands of better work-life balance, 401(k) demands and other benefits?

Are you ready to sell your company to Gen-Y, or are you still insistent on having them sell themselves to you? If you are nodding to the second, you may be behind the game. Your recruitment campaign needs to sell this generation more than ever. Does your campaign make someone want to get off the computer, off the couch and into your office?

If you are looking for help, the Employment Guide has solutions for you. We are tapping into the Gen-Y market and placing premium recruiting videos on YouTube, Myspace TV, Google and Yahoo to get your message where your recruits are hanging out. We pass your job posting along to partner sites and community leaders that are talking to Gen-Y and have their attention.

In the economy today, can you afford to have your competition get the candidates that are going to out pace and outsell you from the market? Start reaching them today.

For more information on reaching Gen-Y through Social Media and Employment Recruiting, please contact Greg, at greg.rollett@employmentguide.com to find a solution that will work for you and your organization.

Guest Blooger Heather Johnson is a regular commentator on the subject of how to become a pharmacist. She welcomes your feedback and potential job inquiries at heatherjohnson2323@gmail.com.

Immediately following the interview, it's the little things that make the difference, and this is never more true than when it comes to following up after your interview. Take this checklist to heart and set yourself apart from other applicants applying for the same position.

• Did I acquire the correct names, spellings, and titles of all the people I interviewed with?
• At the conclusion of the interview, did I ask the employer what the time frame is for making a hiring decision?
• Did I re-connect with the employer via a written letter, e-mail, or voice mail within 24 hours of the interview to reiterate my enthusiasm for the position?
• Did I double check my written thank you letter or e-mail for errors before sending?
• Did I alert my references that they might be getting a call from a potential future employer?
• Did I complete any tasks or assignments I was asked to do at the conclusion of the first interview to prepare for the second interview?

Moving Forward

• Did I follow up shortly after the defined time frame to ask about the position if I did not hear from the employer?
• Do I realize that sometimes the hiring decision takes longer than expected? Although I do want to follow up, I don't want to become annoying to the employer.
• Have I continued to interview for other positions, recognizing that it is not wise to put all of my eggs in one job basket?
• Have I used other job offers as leverage when following up with potential employers?
• Have I left myself open to future opportunities with an employer who does not want to hire me at this time?

Survival Tactic #4 from the Job Seekers Survival Guide 2008

With Pittsburgh remaining one of the hotter job markets around the nation due mostly to the hiring of replacement workers because of the larger percentage of workers reaching retirement age a new website was just launched targeting the 40+ job seeker.

WiserWorker.com was specially designed for baby boomers and employers seeking to reach them. Content on the site is focused toward advice for this age group in their job search as well as job opportunities specifically from companies open to hiring them due to their higher skill levels, dependability, loyalty and work ethic.

With the AVERAGE age in the Pittsburgh metro area approaching 40 (according to the 2000 census the average age in this area reached 39, where nationally it was 34) this is welcome news as the 40+ age group is the fastest growing demographic using the Internet. Our area is currently losing more employees to retirement than are coming into the workforce from our schools. This is creating higher demand for workers 40+

Although the website is very young, look for lots of updates coming over the next 6 months. According to Amy Hoster, Product Development Manager for WiserWorker.com, WiserWorker.com is dedicated to the largest growing demographic in the country, the Baby
Boomers. 80% of the baby boomers plan to work at least part-time past the traditional retirement
age. Alliance for the Experienced Workforce reports “By 2010 nearly 1 in every 3 hourly workers in the United States will be over the age of 50.” Baby Boomers skills, knowledge, and experience are
invaluable to our economy and our labor market, and now to recruitment managers across the country.

Some companies and organizations can receive anywhere from hundreds to hundreds of thousands resumes every month, and unfortunately only a handful of those will make it past the elimination rounds. It's easy to create a resume, but the hard part is getting your resume to stick with the employer. So how can you ensure success? You can start by following these simple guidelines.

10. Know your style. You're one in a million, kid, so make sure that you recognize your writing style and stick with it. Just like doing a bad impression will get you heckled by your closest of pals, jumping back and forth between styles on your resume could make the hiring manager think you're unsure of yourself.

9. Use the spell and grammar check. I before E except after C, and all that jazz. Unlike Algebra*, you're definitely going to use the English language in your every day life so it's important to double check yourself when submitting anything written to someone who just might provide you with a paycheck.

8. Have a proofing committee. The hiring manager likely will not be the only person involved in the hiring process, and likewise, you shouldn't be the only one involved in the resume writing process. Have a few friends read over your resume. They'll probably catch something you didn't, or have some great advice on how to sell yourself better.

7. Take your words for a walk. No, not literally, but using action verbs like "demonstrated," "accelerated," "initiated," and my favorite, "innovated," will give your progress some movement. Not only do they sound sharp, but the hiring manager will recognize that you didn't just work at your previous job, you accomplished.

6. Have a goal. Your resume should be specific to the job you're applying for. Everyone wants to feel special, even hiring managers. But seriously, an objective that clearly states what you aim to do will help avoid any confusion and keep you in the hiring manager's line of sight. Try something like, "To secure a challenging position in a growing company where I can utilize my skills with the English language and never, ever use Algebra." That'll do it.

5. If you've got it, flaunt it. Just please don't send photos of yourself with your resume. However, do highlight your skills and experience. If you can speak fluent Gaelic, that's awesome. If you are able to balance plates on sticks, that's pretty cool, too, but it'd be more helpful if you provided the hiring manager with some of your technical or skilled trade certifications instead.

4. "Speak softly and carry a big stick." Not many people know that Theodore Roosevelt actually got that quote from a West African proverb, but it's so true. Be brief and concise on your resume. Use short, bulleted phrases that share your contributions to the company, not just your duties. (Though, I'd lay low on the aggressive "We might invade if you don't give me a job" verbage.)

3. Share your smarts. List your education in reverse chronological order, starting with college and/or technical school. It's not necessary to list your grade point average or your favorite professor.

2. Write a cover letter. The cover letter is kind of like one of those "You've been pre-approved for a 10 million dollar credit limit!" letters you get in the mail, but less annoying and more necessary. A short, concise and focused cover letter will help sell your resume, which in turn will land you the interview. It's a precursor to the real deal.

1. Always follow up. You may have noticed that this was number one on the Top 10 Resume Don'ts list, as well. (Cleverly disguised as a don't!) Following up is the final nail your hammer of a resume will drive into the employer's desk. It's not only polite to send a follow-up note, but it will also ensure the hiring manager knows just how interested you are.

If you follow these simple guidelines, your resume can take you that much closer to the end of your job search. Visit EmploymentGuide.com to get more tips on resumes. Also check out The Employment Guide®'s Career Services and Job Hunting Resources for more ways you can make your job search more effective.

The Tampa Employment Guide's Summer Job Fair is here! Join us at Raymond James Stadium from 10-3 and meet with employers that are looking to talk to and hire individuals just like you!

Job Fair Checklist:

• Updated, proofread and professional resumes (20 copies)
• Application information (References, past employment, education, etc)
• Business attire (It's going to be hot out, wear comfy shoes for walking)
• Organizer (keep your papers and applications in order, shows organizational skills and motivation)
• Smile and firm hand shake (First impressions are lasting)
• Pens
• Research on companies (know who is hiring and if you would be a fit before and to maximize time and effectiveness)

Tampa, we'll see you tomorrow!

-Greg Rollett

This is part of a series of articles with useful tips and information to help you hunt for the perfect job. Previously, we posted on the Charlotte page on how to determine your perfect job and how to write a killer cover letter. This week, we look at how to write a great resume. This information is also available in The Job Seeker Survival Guide, a free publication from The Employment Guide®.

The Right Resume!

Your resume provides a snapshot of who you are to potential employer. Along with your cover letter, it is their first impression of you. In a competitive job market, it must stand out from those of other applicants. To ensure you have the right resume, let's start at the top.

Here's what your resume should include...

1. Include pertinent contact information

• Resumes should start with your full name, address, phone number(s), and Email address, if you have one.
• You should always use a font of 10-12 for your text. Choose an easy-to-read font style such as Arial or Verdana (Sans Serif).
• Microsoft Word offers resume templates. To access, go to "file" and click on "new." Then you will see a series of tabs. Click on "other documents." You will see several different templates listed. Open the one that you prefer and fill in your personal information. For a more customized resume, click on "resume wizard," and it will walk you through step-by-step how to create the resume of your dreams!

Sally Smith
12345 Any Street Drive
Some City, ST 98765
(222) 333-4444 Home
(555) 666-7777 Work
SSmith@myinternet.com

2. State your objective

• The objective should be one sentence only.
• State the job you are seeking and what you hope to accomplish long term.

Objective:
To secure a challenging position in a growing company where I can utilize my sales and customer service skills.

3. Highlight your skills

• Showcase any foreign languages you speak, computer and/or software skills you have, and any other technical or skilled trade certifications you hold.

Skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills, computer literate, and experienced in Microsoft Office software products.

4. List your work experience

• List in reverse chronological order the names and locations of employers, dates of employment, job titles held, description of job responsibilities, skills demonstrated, and accomplishments while on the job. It's only necessary to go back ten years in listing your work experience.
• Be concise - use short, bulleted phrases (complete sentences are not necessary.) State your contributions to the company, not just duties.
• Use action verbs and industry buzz words to enhance the body of your resume.

5. Catalogue your education

• List schools attended, degrees, grade point averages, and honors. Note that it's not necessary to list years attended or dates of degrees.

"Red Flags" to Avoid in your Resume

Employers who review cover letters and resumes are trained to look for certain "red flags." Depending on the employer, these "red flags" might disqualify you immediately from the hiring process. Other employers may just make a mental note of their concerns and address them with you in the interview. Either way, the fewer "red flags" on your cover letter and resume the better the chance you have of landing your dream job!

Resume "Red Flags" and How to Avoid

• Overall messy appearance. Make sure your resume is typed on resume-quality paper and proofread carefully.
• Spelling Errors. Use Spell Check and have a friend edit.
• Grammatical Errors. Use Grammar Check and have a friend edit.
• No employment dates listed. Always include accurate employment dates.
• Gaps in employment dates. Try to avoid gaps. If you've taken time off for personal reasons, school or travel, list it under a section titled Additional Experience or make a notation in the resume that allows for continuity.
• Overlaps in employment dates. Explain overlaps in cover letter.
• Too much information. For recent college graduates and entry-level positions, keep your resume to one page. For everyone else, keep your resume to a maximum of two pages.
• Too little information. Include where you worked, dates of employment, job titles, job responsibilities, and accomplishments for each position held. If you are applying for your first position, highlight areas of study in school, extracurricular activities, volunteer work and hobbies/intrests, so the interviewer can get a sense of who you are.

Still have questions? Want to add something? Leave us a comment!

Also check out 10 Resume Dont's for what not to do on a resume.

Resumes seem to be a particularly difficult beast to tame. It's just a piece of paper, or electronic file, so often we want to put every ounce of our personality into it. Before the interview, especially if you're applying online, it might be the only bit of you the employer gets to know. So, you want it to scream "THIS IS ME!"... right? Well, not necessarily. The best resumes are kept succinct, clear to the point, and specific as possible. So to help you through your resume-prepping process, I've made a list of the top 10 things never, ever, ever to do on your resume. (It would be helpful if you envisioned a less funny, but slightly better dressed, version of Dave Letterman sitting in a cubicle reading these off cue cards.)

10. Never use brightly colored paper, or clip-art. Unless you're applying to write limericks for Hallmark greeting cards, it's probably best to avoid using stock images of flowers in vases and pastel pink printer paper.

9. Never skip using the spell and grammar check. Seriously. It's just a click, and it can save you from embarrassing moments like this one, from Resumes From Hell (available at Amazon.com).

Rachel,

I enjoyed the wonderful interview you mailed us this week and keep getting more and more enlightened by your tit bits!

Also let me know if position #SW02493 would work for me - I am very interested.

Thank you!
Mahendra

8. Don't spray perfume or cologne on your resume. You laugh, but it's happened! In fact, in office situations in general, it's best to go light on things like perfumes and colognes.

7. It's definitely not necessary to mention that you like base jumping in your free time. While your resume is a representation of you, this might be too much information. You don't want the hiring manager thinking you could be a liability.

6. Listing irrelevant information is... well, irrelevant. You might be Vice President of your local chapter of the NRA (National Rifle Association), but if you're applying to work as an X-ray tech through a job posting you found on HealthCareerWeb.com... Just don't do it.

5. Don't sell yourself short. A lot of people think honesty is the best policy, and it is. But there is a line clearly drawn between what helps and what hurts. For example, if you're applying for a developer's job, and you had to take a test to be certified where 73% is passing, and you scored 71%... it might be best to include something else that attests to your strengths as a developer and where you gained that knowledge/experience.

4. Avoid self-questionnaires. Keep your resume simple, without opening yourself up to redundancies or pigeon-holes.

3. Don't bore the hiring manager. This isn't your life story - it's a sales pitch. The best way to sell yourself is to provide the hiring manager with a short snippet that summarizes your skills and qualifications without giving away the whole farm. Use action verbs like "oversaw," "demonstrated," and "improved" to show progress and ability.

2. Don't talk about your former employers. Most applications include a section where you can explain why you're leaving or have already left your current position. However, it's not necessary on your resume, especially if you have nothing nice to say!

1. Don't forget to follow-up! It's not necessarily part of the resume, but one of the biggest mistakes a job seeker can make is not following up after they've submitted their resume. The resume is really just the first step in the interviewing process. You need to seal the deal so to speak by hammering home that you really are interested in the position by sending a note or picking up the phone.

As long as you don't make these mistakes, your resume should turn out beautifully. Visit EmploymentGuide.com for more ways you can craft the perfect resume.