Job Application Tips & Tricks

Requesting a Reference

So you’re moving on to greener pasture and would like a little help from the former boss? A reference, nicely made, could land you that position you’ve been mooning over. This article would help you to get that reference that would eventually land you your “dream job”.

First, a reference should be asked for when you leave a job, not when you find one that is asking for a reference. Why? Because regardless of how outstanding you were at your former place of employment, memory is a fickle thing and so it is always better to obtain one while employers still know what skills of yours should be endorsed.

Next, you may or may not write your reference letter. You could try asking your former employer if s/he wants to author the recommendation. However, to best put your accomplishments on spot light, it is better if you write the letter and just let your former employer sign it. This would save him/her the time of making one while the contents of the letter is left to your discretion. Remember that we are talking about references that you have obtained prior to applying for a new job. That’s why it is important that before submitting a reference name, you should contact first your references so that they would know what to expect when the prospective employer calls on them since a considerable time has passed between the reference and the application.

Regardless of whether you got the job or not, it is important to convey your appreciation for the recommendation. You could send a note or call personally, the important thing is that you have said thank you for the favor. This is a way of maintaining good relationship, allowing the former employer to be accommodating the next time another reference need comes up.

Furnishing a Positive Reference

Providing a positive reference for an employee is not only done for the obvious purpose of endorsing the worker to new management, it also serves as a “pat on the back” for a job well done during his or her stay under your administration. This article would help you – the boss – to go about the duty (or privilege, however you see it) of making that recommendation in behalf of your former employee.

First of all, if you belong in a company, check out first the policies concerning recommendations. There could be restrictions on the amount of information you are allowed to provide. When you ascertain just what you may or may not divulge, you can now go on from there.

It’s entirely your choice if you want to write the letter of recommendation yourself or leave it to the former employee requesting one. Either way, make sure to check the letter before ultimately signing it. You don’t want errors on a correspondence that has your signature on it. Your contact number is almost always specified in the letter and thus, expect a call from the would be employer. When s/he finally calls, focus your verbal comments on the employees overall performance. Basically, the “new employer” would want to hear what you yourself wanted to know: Is the employee effective? For that reason, put a spotlight on your assessment on his/her contributions to the company.

Lastly, don’t close doors, especially if the former employee is an esteemed co-worker. Sometimes, the circumstances of separation would make an employer apprehensive in dishing out a letter of recommendation. That’s understandable, the situation often varies and there isn’t one solution for all types of setting. Hence, some letters of recommendation would be left to you – the employers – discretion.

Misleading Career Concepts

People say a lot about jobs, however not all of them are true. Especially now with the dawn of technology, internet, programs…even those time honored instructions aren’t applicable anymore! Learn to sift through work related fallacies that could detract you from having the career of your life!

The concept of “One Career”

This is very important. Back then, specializing on one particular subject brings in the cash. Nowadays, it’s better to be a “Jack of all Trades”. Specialization is ok, but with the economy taking in the movements of a roller coaster ride (up, down), you’ll never know if what you have now would still be in demand tomorrow. So it’s always better to know something more. Tip: Get to know the world of computers, nowadays; it’s a very important addition to modern life.

The concept of a “Dream Job”

This follows the paragraph above. If you’re a jack of all trades, then basically you can take up different types of work. And yes, maybe in your mind you have this “I want this job, this is the job for me”, but as you go on, you’ll find that other jobs are also “for you”. It just takes a little “getting to know period” before liking or even loving a new job.

The concept of “Balance”

Basically, it’s like school. You study hard, but you also party a little. Having a career doesn’t mean you have to abandon your social life. Internet, magazines, television programs and other types of media are littered with tips on how to balance working life with your social life. It’s just takes a little time management. Don’t be fooled by people saying you have to give up one in favor of another. It’s completely possible and acceptable to have life outside the office.

Thinking of Changing Careers?

Are you bored of fed up with your career and thinking of going for greener pastures? Doing so is not exactly a bad idea, in fact I know someone who made the big step and now she is happy and content with her new role.

However, the decision and change was not done overnight. In fact, it takes considerable thought and planning before implementing that “big move” in your job.

The most important thing is that you should know where you want go. Changing a career isn’t just “leaving a job” it also means you are going into another work path. The question is: If you leave, where will you go? This question is sometimes the last one to be asked, but I prefer to consider it first and foremost.

The next question would be: Why change careers?

If your answer is just relating to how much you hate your boss or officemates then that isn’t really an answer. Successful career changes should be driven by what you will find rather than what you would leave behind. Ask yourself first and analyze the forces driving you into the path of career change. This is after all, a life altering situation and must be handled carefully and systematically. Advices from family and friends are welcome but don’t let loved ones pressure you into a decision.

However, if all answers point out to a change in your career field, then the next best step is to plan. Don’t resign just yet, especially now that jobs are hard to come by. Research the facts about the career that you’re planning to move in to. Remember that some jobs are in season so check its longevity. It may be a “big thing” now, but after a few years or so, would it still be viable?