Run a free background check

It shouldn't come as a surprise that everyone has skeletons in their closet. The internet is a virtual graveyard of background information. Much of it is readily available through public records or broadcast to the world voluntarily through online social networks.

The first person you should run a background check on is yourself. Double-checking your records will give you a better idea of what potential landlords, employers, or anyone else might see about you if they decide to do a little detective work.

Here are areas to use for a comprehensive background check.

• Search engines
• Social Networks
• Contact information
• Criminal database
• Public records
• Financial history
• Web domains

For more detail on these areas, see the complete article here.

Tell me, doesn’t mean ‘Tell It All’

When an interviewer gives you the stage with ‘Tell me about yourself’, understand that responding is trickier than you think. The following tips can help you provide a memorable and effective description.

1. Start with the end in sight.
2. Take the time to establish rapport.
3. Sketch the big picture.
4. Focus.
5. Showcase your communication skills.
6. Highlight the benefits you'll bring to the employer.
7. Spotlight the positive.
8. Provide details.
9. Disclose personal information cautiously.
10. Finish strong.

For the details on these tips see the full article here.

Searching for blog articles

While viewing the Golden Employment Blog you can search over a years’ worth of prior postings that have been indexed.  On the right side of the blog page is a heading ‘Blog Search Topics’.  Select one of the listed indexing terms and enter it in the search box.  The blog will call up and display the short introductory posting including the link to each of the original Web-based articles.

The articles most appropriate for your needs can be reached in seconds using a search 

Schedule on-line job seeking consultation!

Interactive on-line job seeking consultation is available every Thursday at 8 PM MST. ·        Job seekers - assistance to prepare for securing a job. ·        Employment Specialists - assistance on how to best assist their ward members. ·        Unit leadership - understand the challenges of providing meaningful assistance. To make a reservation : ·        E-mail Jim Olsten at: cjolsten2@juno.com  an hour or more before the meeting, ·        OR Schedule an alternate time/day for an on-line interactive consultation. ·       Log-in to : https://www2.gotomeeting.com/join/560775914 , videoconferencing software downloads and connects to the meeting automatically Technical details : ·        You can use MAC or PC computers at Pentium 4 level. ·        An audio headset is recommended OR use your microphone and speakers, ·        OR phone 312 878-3081 and provide meeting ID 560 775 914 for on phone audio ·        Attendee Quick-Start Instructions: click here ·       Technical support: 800-263-6317, provide meeting ID 560 775 914 for free support

Five Tricks for Remembering Names

If you are fortunate to have an interview, you will likely meet new people for the first time. Remembering their names could be a challenge. An even greater challenge can arise if you are interviewed by a committee.
How can you avoid the panic that can come from forgetting someone’s name almost as soon as you’re introduced? The fact is, names just aren’t a priority for our brains.  There are however some techniques that will improve your name retention powers.

• Don’t psych yourself out.
• Slow down and take it easy.
• Ask questions.
• Use a person’s name.
• Create an image.

For the details on how to apply these techniques, see the complete article here.

Things to know before changing careers

Even in today's tight job market, you can make a career change. It's just a little harder and takes more planning.

If you don't like what you're doing or don't feel that there is any room for advancement, changing careers can be rewarding. The most important thing is to do the work before you make a change, so that you'll already be prepared. Here's 5 things you should consider before you change careers:

1. Create a plan
2. Think about your decision
3. Strengthen your social network
4. Brush up on your education
5. Take small steps

If you are considering a career change see more details here

The truth about job references

When applying for a job, it's not just your resume and interview that matter. Who you select to be your reference can make a huge difference. So, how can you make sure that the references you provide a new employer are going to be effective? Well, here are a few truths about job references that can make the task a little easier:

Here are a few broad brush pointers:

• There are restrictions on what they say (but not HOW)
• Provide references only when asked
• Stay in touch with your references
• Always ask before using someone as a reference
• If in doubt, do a test run

For details on these, see the full article here