by cjxpadmin | Dec 31, 2012 | January 2013 Magazine, Job Readiness
by FORBESWOMAN
Top Five Personality Traits Employers Hire Most
I know you: You’ve made looking for your next job, well… your job. You’ve scoured your resume of clichéd buzzwords, brushed up on body language and even gotten a handle on the dreaded video interview.
But all of that might be for naught if you just don’t have the personality sought by your dream employer. New research shows that the vast majority of employers (88%) are looking for a “cultural fit” over skills in their next hire as more and more companies focus on attrition rates. Lucky for you, we’ve drilled down into data from 1,200 of the world’s leading employers (think General Electric, P&G and Accenture) to find precisely the personalities big business seek.
Universum, the Stockholm-based employer branding firm that annually surveys over 400,000 students and professionals worldwide on jobs-related issues, has culled their data to the top five personality traits employers are looking for in job candidates in 2012. How’s that for a leg up on the competition?
“We surveyed employers to get a handle on the challenges that face them in hiring,” says Joao Araujo of Universum. “What are they looking for in employees and what are they not finding?” By identifying both traits, he says, aspiring job applicants can both identify the most sought after traits—and brush up resumes and interview tactics to best position themselves.
Professionalism (86%), high-energy (78%) and confidence (61%) are the top three traits employers say they are looking for in new hires. Kathy Harris, Managing Director of Manhattan-based executive search firm Harris Allied says these first-impression traits are the most critical for employers to prepare for as they all can be evaluated by a recruiter or hiring manager within the first 30 seconds of meeting a candidate.
“A manager can read you the moment you walk in the door,” she says; from the clothes you wear to the way you stand to the grip of your first hand-shake. Presenting yourself as a confident, energetic professional is about as basic as career advice gets. But don’t be off-put by this commonplace advice. Harris, who specialized in high-level executive placement says even the most seasoned of CEOs can get tripped up by the basics. Universum clients agree: confidence ranks highest on the list of skills companies think employees are missing most.
“We remind every candidate of the most granular advice,” she says. The most successful applicant is the one who walks into every interview with her hand outstretched for a handshake, has done her homework on the interviewer and company and is dressed to fit effortlessly into the culture of the workplace.
The remaining personality traits that Universum clients say are critical in the hiring process aren’t ones that can be read on-sight but instead call for both resume and interview preparation. To present yourself as a self-monitoring (58%) personality type, Harris says to adjust resume language to call attention to work experience where you’ve worked independently or excelled without the guidance of direct leadership. “In interviews, choose anecdotes that show how you’ve saved, made or achieved in previous positions… and how self-motivation was critical to that success.”
Intellectual curiosity (57%) is, fittingly, a curious trait for Harris, who says she generally advises clients to tightly edit the “hobbies and interests” sections of their resumes. “I’d imagine that in looking for intellectual curiosity, employers are looking for two things,” she says. “The ability to problem solve and the ongoing dedication to learning new technologies or solutions that will continue to advance in the changing workplace.” Employers are asking themselves whether new hires will be with the company for the long term, she says. An employee who will grudgingly adopt a new database is not as attractive as one who is truly passionate about learning new things. Δ
by cjxpadmin | Dec 31, 2012 | January 2013 Magazine, Job Readiness
by Forbes.com
10 Body Language Interview Mistakes
From eye contact to posture to the way you fix your hair, avoid these 10 physical slip-ups in your next job interview.
1. Bad Postured Posture
Leaning back is lazy or arrogant, leaning forward is aggressive and slouching is just lazy. Instead, experts say to aim for a neutral position, sitting tall as if a string were connecting your head to the ceiling.
2. Breaking Eye Contact
“Hold eye contact one extra eyelash,” says Charisma Coach Cynthia Burnham. She says we tend to feel uncomfortable holding eye contact once a personal connection has been created. Don’t stare, but try to hold your interviewer’s gaze for one extra second before breaking away. “Do this especially when shaking hands,” she says.
3. Chopping and Pointing
Cynthia Burnham, a California-based Charisma Coach, says chopping or pointing motions can “cut up” the space between you and your interviewer in an aggressive way.
4. Crossed Arms
“Arms crossed over your chest signals defensiveness and resistance,” says Karen Friedman, Communications Expert. “When they’re open at your sides, you appear more approachable.”
5. Excessive Nodding
“Sometimes we undermine how powerful or in focus we are by nodding like a bobble-head doll,” says Burnham, a habit that’s particularly common in women. “Nod once or twice with a smile of agreement. But find your still center and stay there.”
6. Fidgeting
“Stop fidgeting!” says Amanda Augustine of TheLadders. “The nervous energy will distract the interviewer. You want [him or her] focused on what you have to say, not the coins jingling in your pocket or the hangnail on your finger.”
7. Hands Behind Back
It’s important to appear approachable and open, so don’t try to control gestures or fidgeting by keeping your hands still. This is especially important when you begin to speak, says Friedman. “Keeping your hands in your pockets or behind your back inhibits movement and makes you appear stiff.”
8. Mismatched Expressions
“If your tone isn’t matching your facial expression, you could find yourself in hot water,” says Communications Coach Matt Eventoff. “If someone asks what you’re most passionate about and your face is in deadpan while you answer, it’s not going to translate well.”
9. Shifty Eyes
Friedman says distracted or upward eye movements can suggest someone is lying or not sure of themselves. “It’s important to look someone directly int he eye to convey confidence and certainty.”
10. Staring
“It’s important to be confident and look the interviewer in the eye,” says Amanda Augustine, Job Search Expert at TheLadders. “But then break away. Locking eyes with someone for an extended period of time can be interpreted as aggressive, not to mention creepy. Δ
by cjxpadmin | Dec 31, 2012 | January 2013 Magazine, This Issue's FEATURE
Beginning January 1, 2013 CampusJobXpress.com starts its countdown to graduation.
CampusJobXpress.com (CJX) was developed to serve college students as they approached graduation. Many students finish their education with a degree, certification or license, plus a loan to pay back. Finding a job becomes paramount to start their new life off correctly. Also, CJX has discovered that its services fit many laid-off workers and veterans as well.
CJX combines many services that you will find on other sites, and much more. The combination of services truly allows convenience and efficiency. This site appears as a job search magazine; however, it houses much more with even more to come. What is on the site, you might ask? Well, let’s see:
EMPLOYMENT AND TRANSITIONING ARTICLES
Our online magazine takes pride in its encouraging and informative career-based articles posted each month.
EMPLOYMENT – LIST OF JOBS AVAILABLE BY REGION
Employers are able to post job openings in detail for subscribers to view as often as needed, all with our compliments. These listings are posted by workforce regions within the state. Employers are allowed to post as much detail as they feel is needed.
JOBS BY INDUSTRY
CJX offers employers a specialty page categorized by industry types. On these specialty pages, employers can provide a detailed explanation of their company’s history, benefits and special instructions with hyperlinks to their company. It is an opportunity for businesses to really open up to their future employees. This page offers full color appeal to attract the best candidates.
500 WATCH – RSS FEEDS TO EMPLOYERS
The magazine is linking to News RSS Feeds of the major employers from around the country (Fortune 500). An RSS Feed is a regularly updated summary of web content, along with links to full versions of that content. These feeds have the option to link company webpage news to our magazine so that all up-to-date news can be seen by our subscribers at any time. The Feeds are controlled by the companies and may change at any time.
HELPING HANDS
If subscribers are looking for internships, on-the-job training or volunteer hours, we have a specific area which allows the students to post their availability and what type of volunteer work is being sought. Employers are also able to post openings for internships or volunteer needs. Work experience is critical for most of our subscribers to gain much needed experience in selected fields.
OUR BEST
In this section of the magazine, CJX showcases the most outstanding or top-qualified employment candidates. These candidates are referred by their school, organization or workforce agency. Subscribers with extensive experience, degrees and skills can be at the top of the employers review list through Our Best Section.
RESUME CHAT ROOM
Resumes are very important for candidates to showcase their skills. CJX asks its employment candidate to detail a summary of qualifications with a full description of employment and educational history. This section allows for communication with a Resume Expert reviewing their resume with possible suggestions and tips.
VIDEO RESUME POSTINGS
Subscribers can post video recordings of themselves discussing what makes them a valuable employee candidate for employers to review. As important as a resume is to finding the appropriate job, a video resume allows for a candidate to set themselves apart from other candidates. Anyone can do your resume, but only you can do your video resume. Your are able to display personality and project yourself with the video resume. Subscribers are given a link to place on their resume for ease of viewing by employers.
VIDEO CHAT ROOMS WITH EMPLOYERS
If employers wish to interview subscribers, but for any number of reasons cannot see the subscriber in his/her office, employers and subscribers are able to engage in video interviews through a Video Chat Room.
JOB CLUB
Job club is a weekly online discussion open to everyone. Subscribers and employers may communicate about different topics each week. Content, questions and answers are open for discussion 24/7. Many questions are referred to experts on any particular topic for appropriate response. Job information is shared by subscribers with one another allowing for a vast network to aid with job searching.
ONLINE MALL
The CJX Online Mall Service is an attempt to give subscribers opportunities which may not normally be offered to them. CJX Representatives visit with businesses to locate opportunities for food specials, movie tickets, auto repair, clothing and much more.
There are times when businesses have over purchased or their business may need a boost. Our Online Mall allows for businesses to advertise their company, specials, and locations to attract subscribers. Subscribers can then find the nearest place to grab a bite to eat or see a movie and check any specials available.
REWARDS CARD PROGRAM
Through our Rewards System, a business may post specials on our website for subscribers to redeem when the Rewards Card is presented at participating locations. Businesses are allowed to change specials as often as necessary and place a hyperlink to their webpage.
REWARDS CARD/ONLINE MALL
CJX added an Online Mall and Rewards Cards to give opportunities to its subscribers to receive various deals and specials. The thought is to provide a connection between the people we serve and the business community.
Many businesses have a need to connect to customers by offering them specials and deals during any particular slow-down times and over-purchases. This benefits our subscribers who may be on a limited budget but still want to go to the movies, eat out, buy clothes or just have some fun.
Both businesses and subscribers benefit from this arrangement. This Rewards Program is not new. It is very likely that you have seen programs similar to this in hotels.com, expedia.com as well as other sites. They market hotel rooms, airline seats, etc that have not sold. Why not give subscribers the same opportunity? The card is free. The offers can change many times a week and there is no obligation on the part of the cardholders. If they like it, they can use it.
VETERANS SECTION
Our Veterans Section concentrates on the needs and specific information concerning Veterans during their job search efforts. It is a place for Veterans, their families and other interested parties to connect and communicate.
WPMG NETWORK
Workforce Partners Management Group’s traditional site to help individuals move their lives from where they are to where they want to go. These services have helped many military personnel, dislocated workers, students and anyone transitioning to a new way of life. On this site, the WPMG Network offers books, videos, podcasts, seminars as well as a few cooking classes. △
by cjxpadmin | Dec 31, 2012 | January 2013 Magazine, This Issue's FEATURE, Uncategorized
By Sheena Williams
It’s that time again! The holidays are over, and it’s time to take down the tree. Time to reflect on what a year 2012 has been. The ups and downs, the high and lows, and the sometimes those days that were just middle of the road! It’s been a year to remember and we at CampusJobXpress.com have immensely enjoyed being part of your year. Some of our most memorable moments this year have been with you. We can’t thank you enough for allowing us to be a small portion of your year. We have been privileged to see you become awesome job seekers and have had the chance to help you along the way.
In an effort to prepare you for the New Year, we have made a list of things to keep in mind as you get started with preparing for your job search for the coming year with some helpful resolutions to get you started. These resolutions are in no way mandatory, but we find that these things help us get ourselves together as we go about our daily lives. Some of the things on the list are things you might already know how to do, but check it out — you might find a different way of doing them!
- Learn To Delegate — You can only do so much. You’re trying to find work, and trying to get
the kids fed, then on top of that, the dog needs water. As you are at home more now, you can take a little more of the workload to help out and keep the person working in your home afloat, but there is no sense in taking it all on yourself. If you have kids, make a chore list that leaves you time to look for a job. When your working spouse gets home, maybe they can walk Bruno as you check your work emails. Keeping your stress level low is key when searching for a job.
- Get Organized — Everything has a time and a place. Believe me when I say, it certainly makes your time a lot better when you know where that place is. Know where your files are on the computer. Color-code some bills for easy paying. Set up a house chart for the family. Put your coupons in alphabetical order. Prioritize your day and have your resume at your fingers tips always. Any of these things can make your life easier and get you to work or an interview faster.
Ramp Up Your Resume — With a new year, comes a new resume. Look over your job history and see what needs to be tweaked. Maybe check in on your References and wish them a Happy New Year. Maybe you took a class in your down time and you have a new skill to add? All of these things can beef up a sparse resume and give an edge to an already spectacular one!- Learn A New Skill — As mentioned above, learning a new skill is great. I don’t care if it’s Brazilian Macrame! It has given you a skill that you can add to your resume. Maybe it took you 7 weeks to learn to do whatever you did, but that’s dedication, reliability, and hard work that can now be put in your list of stellar attributes.
- Give Back To The Community — This one is kind of a no-brainer. When you help others, it takes your mind off of your problems. That means less stress for you! When there is less stress
for you, there is less stress for everyone. When there is less stress for everyone, everyone can be happy. Giving back is a gift that keeps on giving and you should totally take advantage… and take the time to network while you’re there!
- Find A Career, Not A Job — So you were working at a job that you lost, and you find that you are not that broken up about it. It’s because it was a job that paid the bills. It was a job you took because you needed to make some money, and this was the end result. Your next step may include taking another job like that, but only if it fits into your overall plan of getting a career. While we work, we become so wrapped up in having a steady pay check, we forget what our dreams are. So make sure that while you are looking for that job that tides you over, you are also looking for ways to fit it into your dream job!
- Stop Beating Yourself Up — Negativity not only comes from the television and outside
sources, it comes from you. Every time you drop a glass of water and call yourself stupid. Every time you don’t get dinner out to the table on time or when you berate yourself for being lazy. Every time you say something negative about yourself, you internalize it and your mind takes over the negative affirmation. We are all about taking a realist look at ourselves, but nothing about being realistic is negative. You may need to change your style of dress, but telling yourself you’re a slob is not helpful. Instead, tell yourself that there are some clothing choices that would be better for my job search and make those changes. No need to call yourself names over things that can easily be changed!
- Do Something Nice For Others — This may sound like volunteering, but it’s not. Doing something nice for others is a way to show appreciation for the support and love that those around you are giving you while you look for work. Maybe your husband is watching the kids so you can fit some “me-time” in to work on your resume. Maybe your wife is keeping your desk and home office organized while you are out pounding the pavement looking for a job. Whatever it is, doing something nice reminds the other person, whoever that is, that you are a team and are in this together.
Set Clear Goals — Know what you want and how you’re going to do it! It’s not enough to say I am going to get this job and live a fantastic life! You need to know how you’re going to get it. Are you going to go to school and learn some skills? Are you going to apply in different areas? Maybe you’re going to open up your circle in the networking world? However you plan on reaching that goal, you need to have a clear picture in your head of how you’re going to do it.- Keep Your Goals Realistic — While you’re dreaming big, let’s keep the goals realistic. Let’s say your goal is to be an international pop star. Forget the statistic for becoming an entertainer. You can’t sing, you’ve don’t have any dance moves, and you’ve never been on stage a day in your life. So the goal is not realistic. Not because you can’t
do it. You can do anything with hard work, but you’re not going to get it done with the skill set you have now. Research your goals and find out what it takes to reach them. Having a clear goal is awesome, but without the baby steps to make them work, they are only pipe dreams.
- Stay Fit And Healthy — Wash your hands, get your vitamins, and for the love of Pete, keep some cold medicine around the house. The New Year can be a bit blustery and unfortunately, with all the pollen around and all the germs and sneezing dancing through the air, you might catch a cold of epic
proportions! Nothing will lay you low and eat away at your savings like medical expenses. Take advantage of all free health fares. Call the health department for any deals on health care and pay attention to the weather.
- Find A Healthy Way To Relive Stress — Find a hobby. In fact find two! You need to find something that lets you take a step back and center yourself. Stress is a killer, and if you are not managing it, then, you’ll wind up with bigger problems then just being unemployed. Maybe taking long walks around the neighborhood is your thing. Try painting. There are thousands of cheap crafts and projects that you can get into to keep yourself busy as well as stop yourself from worrying!
We hope that you have not only a Happy New Year, but a Happy Rest Of The Year. We, at CampusJobExpress.com, are committed to getting you back to work and look forward to another year of working with all of you! △
by cjxpadmin | Dec 31, 2012 | January 2013 Magazine, This Issue's FEATURE
By Sheena Williams
A makeover is something that everyone should try, now and then. I don’t mean getting a new suit or buying a new brand of make-up. Those are fantastic too, however, there are changes that we can make, on the inside and around us, that can also constitute as a makeover. A new positive attitude is always in season, and it is a makeover that everyone can appreciate. So, this year, why don’t you try some of the following:
- Be Thankful — Being thankful is not just for Thanksgiving Day. You’re alive to see another
day; you can walk and move around. Even if it’s slowly or stiffly, you are still here to do it. There are people who can’t say that. Whenever you feel “Woe is me,” know that you are not alone and that there are people all over the world who are going through the same things you are, but they are doing it with a smile. Let those people be your guide and your model and be grateful that you have another day to get your life together, another chance to find that career, and another moment to make yourself happy.
- Appreciate Your Support System — Tell those people who care about YOU that you care about THEM. This is your Support System. Thank them. Tell them that you love them. Give them a hug. Give them a pat on the back or a secret handshake. Whatever it is you do that lets someone know that you appreciate them, for not only what they do, but who they are will make their day just a little brighter. This will ensure you that you know who is close to you. Most people only have a few friends, so when you look around and you see your people still standing there, they need to know that you appreciate that they are still there.
Be Generous With the Compliments — Hand out those compliments. Giving compliments makes others smile. It makes others happy. It lets them know that whatever they were doing or tried to do, did indeed work. We like to call these “warm fuzzies.” When you make someone smile without the expectation of a compliment in return, it lets them know that the statement is genuine. If you can’t give a compliment properly, then don’t say anything. Why make someone’s day bad just because you aren’t happy?- See the Good in Everyone — Try to see the good in everyone as well as every situation. Staying positive is crucial to not falling into depression. People are depressed because they allow themselves to give into the negative thoughts that surround their everyday lives. By looking on the bright side and finding the good in every situation, you are blanketing yourself into a protective layer of positivity. Get to know more about a person or a situation before you make snap judgments about their life. They are on their own journey and you don’t know what led them to the moment they are at right now. So use a little compassion.
- Be All That You Can Be — Not to steal from the Army, but be that person you always wanted to be. I was told a long time ago that your life is like a piece of paper. Everything that happens, everyone that you meet, and everything that you do leaves a mark. You need to decide what type of mark you plan on leaving on the lives of those around you. Do you want to be a positive mark or a negative one? These are the kinds of things that we need to keep in the back of our minds when dealing with people every day. While at work, you have the ability to affect the day of a lot of people. You don’t have a choice in affecting their day, but you do have a choice in how you are affecting their day.
- Stay Away From Negative Energy — In the above item, we talked about not making any
negative marks on the pages of others. This one deals with negative marks made on your page. Do not allow yourself to be blindsided or swayed from your course by negative influences. If someone is giving you advice, listen, but then, decide what you want to do with that information. Not all advice is good advice and some advice does not come from a positive place. If you have a goal for yourself, then, do what it takes to reach it. You can at least say you were brave enough to act on your dreams. Negativity is usually a product of fear and has no place in the new positive you!
- Introduce Yourself To One New Person — Here in Texas, saying hello to someone is not an odd occurrence. If you’re breathing, you’re greeting someone. However, introducing yourself to someone new is a whole different story. Introducing yourself means that you are
making yourself, your time, and your advice available to someone else. That is what networking is. It is the ability to walk up to someone, give them your name and let them know that you’re available. If you introduce yourself to one new person a month, by the end of this year, you will have widened your social network by 12 people.
The New Year is fraught with new chances, changes, and challenges. A lot can happen over the course of 12 months, but in that time, you can make yourself exactly who you want to be. It is up to you and we wish you the best of luck! Δ
