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Write the Perfect Cover Letter

Zarine Patel, Career Editor — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:42:58 +0000

Your cover letter is one of the most important tools you can utilize to impress employers. So how do you peak their interest when they're receiving hundreds of letters a day? Nicole Williams shares the secret formula to creating a cover letter that will score you a job.

Network Your Way to a Job Offer

Zarine Patel, Career Editor — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:37:40 +0000

You know the saying, "It's all about who you know." But how do you network ... if you don't really know anyone yet? This week Adam wonders how he can get his foot in the door at top marketing companies in a new city, without an initial contact. Nicole shows him new strategies to connect with top executives, and how to ensure a call back.

Click here for more job search advice.

Narrow Down Your Job Search

Zarine Patel, Career Editor — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:02:51 +0000

Marketing and PR are HUGE fields, so how can Adam narrow down his search? Nicole Williams has easy tips that can help you as well. Click below to learn how to target your search, make the right connections and find your dream job.

Click here for more job search advice.

How to Score a Job Online

Zarine Patel, Career Editor — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:29:45 +0000

Do you ever feel like you're one of a thousand applicants applying to a job online? You're not alone. This week Adam questions whether he's wasting his time on job search boards. Nicole shares tips and strategies for making your resume standout online.

Click here for more job search advice.

NEW! The Job Journal Introduces Adam

Zarine Patel, Career Editor — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:28:54 +0000

Welcome back to The Job Journal. If you loved watching Rachel search for a job, you'll be instantly hooked to the latest edition to our series this month. Meet Adam, a 25-year-old Midwesterner who gave up a secure job to pursue his dreams of living and working in the Big Apple. Follow Adam's search through his video diaries, listen to career expert Nicole Williams' advice, and learn tips to help YOU find your next job.

Click below to hear more about Adam's story.

Watch Adam's first video diary and hear Nicole's advice on turning a temp job into a full time position.

Click here for more job search advice.

The Job Journal Finale

Zarine Patel, Career Editor — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:17:12 +0000

Watch Rachel's last video diary as she looks back on her search and shares advice.

Love The Job Journal? Click here to download a free guide to getting the job you want from the editors at WORKS and iMag!

Celebrate with Rachel!

Zarine Patel, Career Editor — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 18:24:58 +0000

NEW! Get an inside look at Rachel sharing the good news with her family!

Love The Job Journal? Click here to download a free guide to getting the job you want from the editors at WORKS and iMag!

Nicole Williams Congratulates Rachel:

Is there anything better than after a long, challenging process to be able to share your success with the ones you love?! Once you've landed the job, it's time to celebrate with and give thanks to all those who have supported you through the process. Congratulations Rachel!

The Job Journal Week 6: The Job Offer!

Zarine Patel, Career Editor — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:41:44 +0000

Find out why Rachel can't stop smiling. Stay tuned to watch Rachel break the news to her family and share job search advice!

The Job Journal Week 5: Rachel’s Tough Week

Zarine Patel, Career Editor — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:46:38 +0000

Anyone searching for a job right now knows how tough it is to stay afloat financially. Rachel expresses her concerns this week. Write in with thoughts and comments for Rachel!

Nicole Williams' Feedback

This is a really legitimate concern. Money is the number one pressure to get a job ... and get it NOW. The problem is desperation in the world of work is no different than in the world of dating - it reeks! I like pressure (people generally do well with a little fear - gets them motivated and off the couch) but at the same time it can spur you to make the wrong decisions, scare you into stagnation and/or affect your performance. If it's really starting to adversely hurt your ability to get out and land a job, I'd talk to your bank, family, friends and explore the option of borrowing enough to get you through.

The Job Journal Week 4: The Power of Networking

Zarine Patel, Career Editor — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:41:49 +0000

Nicole introduces Rachel to a contact that could make or break her job search. Write in and let us know how you think Rachel can make the most of this new connection.

Nicole Williams' Feedback

It was an interesting process inviting Rachel in to meet my contact for an informational interview. Jennifer is the best of the best and I knew that she'd have a lot of insight to offer Rachel, but the truth is I never would have set it up unless I believed that Rachel could hold her own. My role in this was to facilitate the introduction, but it was up to Rachel to shine ... which she did. Rachel arrived early, dressed to kill and was armed with not only the requisite research, but smart questions. She engaged Jenn and encouraged her to share her perspective on the most important aspect of the job, but also asked some relevant personal (but not too personal) questions. I'm asked this a lot - how personal is too personal? It really does depend upon the person you're talking with. You start with some general safe "Are you from NY?" kind of questions and let them lead - how much detail do they offer and do they engage back? Building a personal rapport and level of comfort is critical in landing an opportunity. Of course the bottom line is: Can you do the job? But when you have a number of equally qualified candidates and consider the number of hours a day you're at the office, most employers hire the one who they envision will be the most pleasurable to spend their 70 hours a week with. Rachel was really good at building rapport with Jenn.