Best Way To Start A Job Search

There will be a time in almost every person's life where they have to go on a job search. Whether it be to better a career, move to a different industry, move to a new location, or to better your financial status we have all been there and will be there again most likely. But where do you start? How aggressive should I be? Where should I start looking? There are so many questions you can ask yourself that can eventually put off your job search before it is too late. I am a recruiter in the St. Louis IT job market and I have a few helpful tips after reading a very interesting article. Let me show you where to start.

First things first. Take control of your destiny and career. Do not think of yourself in the job market as a small pawn or as a person lost in a giant sea of supposed opportunities. Think of yourself as the "One Man (Or Woman) Show." You are your own company; you are the president, CEO, and Sales staff for this company. You will be selling yourself to a company. You need to make them believe that you are the greatest thing that could happen to their company. You are your own product and you need to sell it to someone. Think of yourself as a hot commodity that they can't live without. This will put you in a more aggressive and confident mind set.

Step two: Define yourself. You should make a list of all the great skills and qualities you could offer a potential employer. Truly take stock in your abilities and positive attributes. After the list define the ideal job you are looking for and that would make you happy. Try to be realistic here; don't list your dream job as a pitcher in the MLB or an astronaut. After doing this you will have a good idea of what jobs to look for and how you can make a case for potential employment in an interview.

Third step: Understand your industry's job market. This is a great way to understand what job will best suit you financially. learn the law of Supply and Demand for the reasons of knowing what jobs are hot right now. For example, don't go looking for jobs as a VCR repair man because the demand for one is non existent.

Step four: This might be the MOST IMPORTANT! do not mistake your time being unemployed as a time for vacations and sleeping in. So many people become lazy and too comfortable being unemployed which can often prolong their time being unemployed. Remember you are your own company! When your company shuts it's doors for business that means the company will go out of business. A full time job averages 40-50 hours a week. Finding a job is a full time job so make the hours count. I would always have a suite or business attire ready to wear in case a last minute interview or meeting pops up so you are prepared. Go get them, be flexible and ready to move fast.

Last Step! Network and plant seeds... EVERYWHERE. Part of finding a job is networking yourself appropriately. Get in touch with anyone and everyone. Get online and surf for jobs, Do not overlook anything. You can always turn down a job that is offered but you can not if you never try or find the jobs. This is up to you to get going and find the right opportunity.

Now your ready and prepared and can understand this is a process. Don't forget any steps and feel free to add your own. GOOD LUCK!

http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-1164-Interview-Tips-5-Ways-to-Get-the-Job-You-Want-in-Any-Economy/

Joe Catalano
RELAY|technology

What TabletPC to Choose From: iPad, Blackberry, Android?

The time has finally come when I have found myself looking to splurge and spend money on something I really don't need. I think it is time to buy a TabletPC. I have heard from so many people that they are by far one of the coolest toys around right now and are continuously becoming a little cheaper by the day. But still the bigger question looms; What TabletPC should I buy? To be honest I do not know the first thing about the technology or the differences between the big players in the market such as; iPad, iPad2, Kindle, Android, Blackberry and I'm sure I have left a few out, Sorry! Someone please tell me what the difference is and which one to buy.

Of course since the dawn of the iSeries there has been a gravitational pull towards any projects as they have slowly become a status symbol to many of us. Please take no offence to this; I can't afford one. The iPad and iPad2 have really pushed the craze forward and in my opinion set a bar for others. Apple's marketing is second to none with this technology and they have proven to soar with the hype behind this product line. But what is the big deal? Isn't this a large iPod or a smaller Mac Laptop? Don't get me wrong, I think it is much more convenient to tote this around instead of a large laptop. This brings fantasy football to a new level! But is it necessary and my biggest concern may be that I don't think I would ever use it to its full potential. I don't want an iPad that all I use it for is facebook, Google, e-mail and fantasy football. That would be a waste of money on my part as a consumer. But wait, there is a cheaper alternative!

The other companies out there right now making all none Apple tablets are pushing the edge of the envelope to appeal to consumers. With more functionality and choices it has become a consumer's market again. Now with different sizes and functions there is not just one thing to choose form. But still, what am I going to use this for? Can I justify spending $200, $300 or more on this? Sure it is less than the iPad's but still alot of money for a mini-computer. I wonder what type of hidden costs are involved that I am not even aware of yet! Insurance, web services, who knows what else I will be charged for?

Someone please help. I want to buy one of these and I have heard great things. The only trouble is I don't know what I am buying or what I should buy. Please offer any insight you can. I am thinking about a Kindle Fire, Blackberry, Vizio, iPad2, or the newer HP's.

Cheers,

Joe Catalano
RELAY|technology

For all you IT professionals we are a staffing firm. Please feel free to contact us in regards to multiple opportunities spanning across all ranges of IT in the greater St. Louis, MO and Los Angeles CA areas.