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JobMonkey
Volume X, Issue #6
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Job Fair Tips, Working for a Top Company, & How to Ask for a Raise
Welcome to the JobMonkey Newsletter! If you are looking for a new job, is it because you are dissatisfied with your current position? One of the most important aspects of job satisfaction is working for the right company. What makes a company the "right" one? There are lists of top companies, produced every year, and in this week's newsletter we are going to dissect just what qualities earn a company a top spot on that list.
Also be sure to read the Advice Spot: How to ask for a raise - yes, even in this economic environment.
IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
1) Career Adviser: Job Fairs: 5 Tips
2) Spotlight: Top Companies To Work For
3) Advice Spot: How To Asking For a Raise
4) Hot Jobs from the Job Center
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CAREER ADVISER: Job Fairs: 5 Tips
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by Amy Lindgren
The Super Bowl's over, so you know which season is next, don't you? Yep - job fair season! It's time to cram into a school gym and meet the nice people giving away company pens. To make sure you come away with more than just the mementos, here are tips taken from JobMonkey's guide to job fairs.
1. Choose the right event. Some are general fairs with a broad range of employers, which is always a good bet. Others are specific to one employer or industry, which can be handy if that's your line. So, if you want to work for the airlines, of course you should go to airline job fairs.
2. Sign in. Registering at the fair lets employers contact you directly if you don't actually meet, and allows the hosts to send you job leads.
3. Wear comfortable shoes and an over-the-shoulder bag. The shoes should be as good-looking as possible, without sacrificing comfort. You'll be on your feet all day, though, so comfort rules. The bag is so you can have your notebook and resumes handy, while also letting you stow the company brochures you'll pick up.
4. Plan your approach. You won't be interested in all the employers, but you won't want to miss the ones you do care about. When you arrive, grab an event map to help you identify your top booths to visit.
5. Follow up. Since you can't talk long at each booth, focus on getting the contact information of someone at the company. Then connect via phone or email a few days after the event, to see if you can bring the conversation a little further.
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SPOTLIGHT: Top Companies To Work For
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Whether it's Amazon, Google, Johnson & Johnson or your locally owned bistro, top companies share certain qualities that make them a great place to work. If you are looking for a new job, you will want to be sure to look for firms and organizations that share these qualities.
Top Companies Take an Active Interest in Employee Satisfaction
When employees are cared for - and know it, they feel wanted and therefore want to contribute. Different companies demonstrate their interest in employee satisfaction in different ways. Some conduct regular one-on-one meetings, others have an active HR department that quickly and efficiently investigates any complaints and grievances.
At Fortune 500 companies like Google, employee satisfaction often translates into perks, like gyms and gourmet food in the cafeteria. But even smaller companies can show they care through flexible work arrangements, thoughtful benefit packages and more.
Top Companies Encourage Employees to Participate in Management Decisions
Who wants to work at a place where their opinion doesn't count? Top companies actively solicit their employee's feedback and are open to change based on this feedback. Not all decision should come from the top-down, and top companies know this!
Top Companies Empower Employees to Do Their Job Better
In order to grow and improve as a professional, employees need companies that aren't afraid to invest in them. From carefully selecting the right people to training and developing them as professional, top companies send the message that "we are sticking with you for the long-run" for everyone's benefit.
Top Companies Share the Wealth with Employees
A truly great company is not only wiling to share its wealth - but does so generously. For larger companies, this can mean a robust stock options and a competitive compensation package. Even smaller companies, with fewer resources, distinguish themselves by offering year-end or quarterly bonuses to their employees. The message is clear: With you, our employees, we would have been able to achieve this success!
What qualities do you think turn a typical company into a top one? Learn more about the best places to work from the JobMonkey.
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ADVICE SPOT: How To Ask For a Raise
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One of the most difficult things to do is march into your bosses office and say, "I'd like more money." Especially in this economy, when those of us with gainful employment feel lucky to have a paycheck at all.
But does 10% unemployment mean we should never get another pay raise? Not necessarily. Timing is everything in raise negotiations, but here are three tips to help you make the most of your tete-a-tete about an increase in salary.
- Do your research
Make sure you know how much your job is worth on the "open market" and what degrees, job experience and other factors your colleagues/competitors have going in their favor.
- Look at your benefits
In addition to your paycheck, you should also take your benefit package into consideration. Everything from extra vacation days to larger 401Ks to health, insurance plans has value - both intrinsic and extrinsic. This is especially true, since so many benefits are tax free, which makes them worth about 130% what a straight salary increase would be.
- Practice makes perfect
Before you march into your supervisor's office, practice your "pitch" several times. Be positive and professional - your boss doesn't want to hear you whining about your student loans!
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