Job Seekers Cannot Live By Job Boards Alone

Posted by : Barbara Safani No Comments

Frequently I see job seekers spending too much time searching for leads online. They may spend a whole day searching online and pat themselves on the back at the end of the day and feel a strong sense of accomplishment for working so hard. They may be working hard, but they certainly aren't working ...

Initiating an On-Line Networking Relationship

Posted by : Barbara Safani No Comments

Someone recently wrote to Career Solvers asking how to best approach a school alumni they found on an on-line networking site to inquire about an open position with that person's current employer. Here are some tips for building a quality relationship without asking for a favor or creating expecta...

Sign On Bonuses on the Rise

Posted by : Barbara Safani 2 Comments

Over on the Compensation Force Blog, there's a post about the recent increase in sign on bonuses for recent college grads. I think that this information suggests a growing trend towards more flexibility in negotiating sign-on bonuses across the board as companies continue to try to source creative ...

More on LinkedIn

Posted by : Barbara Safani 4 Comments

Lately I've been receiving a lot of LinkedIn invitations from people I do not know with the generic "I'd like to add you to my network" message and nothing else. This just isn't doing it for me. Maybe I should know you, but without a compelling message, it's hard to make that decision. And please do...

LinkedIn 101 – Ten Tips to Help You Ace the Power of LinkedIn

Posted by : Barbara Safani 2 Comments

I just finished reading Liz Ryan's book Happy About Online Networking which offers some great tips for leveraging the power of online business and social networking tools to build relationships and an online professional identity. Liz makes some great points about how to build credibility on several...

Negotiation Tip #7

Posted by : Barbara Safani No Comments

Always get the offer in writing. Because of the large number of mergers, acquisitions, and downsizings, it's important to get terms of employment in writing. Find out if the company routinely provides new hires with employment contracts. If this is not offered, use a confirmation letter to spell out...

Negotiation Tip #6

Posted by : Barbara Safani 2 Comments

Generally it is reasonable to request up to one week to make your decision regarding a position. As a matter of fact you should never accept a position on the spot. You want the employer to view you as a prudent decision maker and you want them to understand that you don't rush into big decisions. E...

Negotiation Tip #5

Posted by : Barbara Safani No Comments

Negotiation starts the moment you submit your resume and continues during the interview process. Don't sell yourself at one level and then expect an offer for a higher level. During the interview process you start building the relationship with the employer and showcasing your value as a candidate. ...

Negotiation Tips #3 and 4

Posted by : Barbara Safani No Comments

Surveys suggest that 85-90% of hiring managers do not make their best offer first. The employer begins the negotiation process knowing how much money is budgeted for the position and how much flexibility there is around that figure. They also know how long they've been looking and how competitive th...