How to get your professor's help finding a job

• 2-minute read •
While you’re still at college, there’s probably nobody more qualified to vouch for your performance than your professors—yet they’re often the last people you’d ask to help get you a job. It can be scary enough asking professors to help support you on class projects, let alone asking them to recommend you for a job, right?

But the thing is, most professors have excellent contacts in the professional world. And if they know you and like you, they’d be more than happy to help you succeed once you graduate.

But here’s the rub: They have to know you, and they have to be familiar with your work. For this article, we asked college-focused career experts how you can build those relationships now to put your professors in a better position to help you—so you’ll have one more career ally to help you land a job after graduation.

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8 jobs where you get paid to travel

• 2-minute read •
We get it. The daily grind in Cubicleville can take its toll—especially on those who love to travel. The good news: There are plenty of great jobs for people with wanderlust.

And chances are, the younger you are, the more pumped you are to find a job with travel perks. According to a recent survey by Hipmunk, 38% of millennials travel for business, compared to just 23% of Gen Xers and 8% of baby boomers.

So, if you’re looking for work where you get to see the world, consider these eight careers where travel is an essential part of the job.

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Get a job by graduation with this plan

• 2-minute read •
Start the new year with these strategies, and let the countdown to crushing your career begin.
For four years, you’ve followed a basic routine: register for classes, study, pass your tests, hand in final papers, repeat. In the back of your mind, you’re starting to realize something. When you graduate in a few months, like it or not, you’re about to be plunged headfirst into the real world.
That anxious “OMG what happens next?” feeling is sinking in, and that’s why you’ve started getting a head start on your job search. You’ve begun to build your social media presence. You’ve created a list of awesome companies to apply to. Maybe you’ve even started posting your resume and contacting your college’s alumni network.

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What you can do to get promoted in 2017

• 2-minute read •
New year, new title, new paycheck! The key to getting ahead at your job is nailing your annual review.
While you’re making your New Year’s resolutions to go to the gym, eat healthier and meditate more, add “rise up at work” to the list. The most opportune time to get a promotion (other than when you get a new job) is during your annual review.
In fact, at many companies, the only time of year that employees are eligible for a raise and promotion is during their annual review. The pressure is on and the stakes are high, so you’ll want to go into it as prepared as possible.
Monster spoke with career experts to find out the best strategies for acing your annual review and setting yourself up for success in the New Year.

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How to Get Off on the Right Foot on Your First Job

Here are 10 common sense guidelines that can make their journey smoother and more rewarding

1. Realize the scoreboard is operating from day one. But don't expect to conquer the world in six months.. Hit the ground running toward specific goals. Master the fundamentals. Seek out responsibility, but never take on more than you can deliver in a first-class way.

2. Work, work, work and then work some more. No substitute, no short cut will replace work. Immerse yourself in your work. This means more than working diligently from eight to five. Take work home. Never miss a deadline and deliver what your boss orders, even though you may not agree with it.

3. Arrive early and stay late. Get to work 30 minutes before the specified starting time. Take this period, before the interruptions start, to get routine chores out of the way and organize your day's work. Often you will find your boss is in early, also. (That may have something to do with his being boss.) It's a great time to get better acquainted with him. Ask for that extra information and guidance you need.

Stay at least 15 to 30 minutes after the regular hours. Clean up your work place. Make a list of actions you will take the next day.

4. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek help when you have gone as far as you can go on a project. You are not expected to know everything. Asking for help is a sign of strength and not a sign of weakness. Seeking assistance shows you are confident and focused on the job. Find a mentor who is willing to provide coaching and share experience. (This will not be difficult to do; most people like to be asked for advice.)

5. Learn how the machinery of the organization works. Absorb the folklore. The processes may be quite different from what you read in the training and policy manuals.

6. Don't join cliques or deal in office politics; leave the gossip to others. None of these is good for your career health.

7. Respect the hierarchy. The organization is bigger and stronger than you are; you can't change it in the beginning. The sooner you accept this fact, the better. You have a boss and the chain of command is real. ­ You are not likely to "make it" as a rebel.

8. Know the business of the business--its objectives; what it does, what it sells and what values it represents. Learn how your job fits into the overall picture.

9. Adapt to the environment. Observe the style of dress and be guided by it. Is business done in an informal manner or strictly by the rules? Is the primary mode of communications by memos and formal meetings or by face-to-face discussions and chance meetings in the hallways?

10. Be loyal to the organization. Loyalty to organizations may be declining, as some say, but it is still highly valued.

These guidelines do not guarantee a pot of gold, but one thing is certain: they raise the odds for success.

How To Get A Raise: Stress Value, Not Need

No one likes to ask for a raise. But there are situations when it makes common sense to say to the boss, "I believe I am worth more to this organization than I am being paid. I would appreciate a raise."

Never try to make a case for a raise on the basis of need. Organizations can stay in business only by paying people what they contribute to the bottom line, not their needs.
You are justified in asking for a raise when one or more of the following conditions exist.

• You are making a contribution toward your employer's goals above and beyond what is expected from your position. . You have been filling a more demanding position, which usually pays more money, for a considerable time.
  
• There is no formal system in place for performance reviews and you haven't had a raise in a reasonable period of time.
  
• You have an offer from another employer for more money and you are prepared to make a change if necessary.

Before you rush in to ask for a raise, you should understand that one of three things could happen. One, you may get the extra money. Two, you may find out you are not nearly as valuable as you thought you were, and that your future is limited to your present position. Or, three, you could lose your job when you cause the boss to focus on your performance in terms of hard cash.

Be prepared; be sure of your facts. Remember, you are making a sales presentation for a product (your service to the organization) to a buyer (your boss) who has a limited budget from which to buy answers to a number of highly competitive needs.

Make sure you know how things are going with your boss and the company.

Common sense tells us not to ask for a raise when the company is in the doldrums or when the boss, himself, has just been passed over for a raise. Choose the time and place when your boss is most apt to give you a fair hearing.

Find out how your compensation compares to other jobs in the company and in terms of what other employers are paying for people with similar responsibilities and experience. Know what the fair market value is for your talents.

Get a reading on how your fellow employees and your boss rate your performance. (It had better be a reasonably good report before you ask for more compensation.)

Get directly to the point when you meet with your boss.

Review your contributions, being as specific as possible in such terms as savings, increased productivity, growth in sales.

Underscore your loyalty to the organization. Suggest your potential for even greater contributions based on demonstrated performance.

Present hard data to prove you are not paid up to scale when compared to similar jobs inside the organization and in your employer's business category.

Be prepared to define a range of increase you think is fair, if you are asked to do so. Do not demand. Be ready to discuss the pros and cons of your performance. Keep your cool. It will be a rare boss who will not be a bit annoyed that you have had to ask, either because he has allowed you to lose touch with reality or because he has failed to recognize your worth and frustration. Don't be surprised at some backlash. Accept both praise and criticism with equanimity. Be ready to work out a compromise.

It is unlikely you will get an answer on the spot ... unless it is a resounding negative. Leave the door open for a positive answer or at least further negotiations later.

If the final answer is "yes," express appreciation (but do not go overboard) and work twice as hard to prove your boss made a good decision. Start right then earning the next raise. If it is "no," buckle down, do a better job and prepare for another chance. Or leave for a more rewarding environment.

How to Get the Most Out of Job Fairs

Job fairs are a great way to meet potential employers. Instead of cold calling or surfing the Internet, job fairs offer the chance to chat with hiring managers in person and pass around your resume or business card. There are several ways to make the most of a job fair:

What To Do Before You Get There

Make a List
Before you even arrive at the job fair, get the list of participating employers. These can be found in the newspaper (usually in the classified job section or business section) or online. Make a list of employers you want to make contact and be sure to visit them first. Some employers leave job fairs early and you don’t want to miss your opportunity to interview with them.

Conduct research on the company
Without a doubt, you definitely want to know the current company statistics and what projects they are working on. This information can be found online at their web site, company materials, the newspaper or the library. If you attend the job fair without knowledge of the company, you may find yourself in an interview at the booth, not able to answer their questions!

Update and print several copies of your resume
A few days before the job fair, spend some time updating your resume. Once you have made updates, have someone else look over the resume and make suggestions. After making changes, print several copies on good quality resume paper and keep them in a folder to prevent them from getting wrinkled, stained or torn. Also, if you have business cards, put those in your wallet to pass out, or staple them to the corner of your resumes.

Create a sound bite
A sound bite is a brief introduction (30-90 seconds) about your knowledge, skills and abilities. Developing a sound bite educates the listener about your qualifications, reminds you of your qualifications, and helps you keep your focus. It will also calm your job fair jitters. It can be intimidating to approach employers, even in the job fair environment.

Once You Are There

Be considerate of the employer’s/recruiter’s time
Don’t monopolize their time. They want to meet as many applicants as possible. Look for signals that you have overstayed your welcome. Non-verbal cues may include the employer looking away, glancing at their watch or shifting in their chair.

Network with other jobseekers
You can find out valuable information from other job seekers. Not all jobs are advertised and your peers may be aware of job openings that you had no knowledge of.

Free resume critiques
Some fairs may offer resume critiques by a professional resume writer. Be sure to stop by and drop off your resume for free professional advice!

When You Get Home

Write thank-you notes
Before you leave the fair, be sure to ask employers for their business cards and then write a letter thanking them for their time. Most job seekers won’t take the time to send a thoughtful note. If you do, you will stand out from the rest.

For Those You Couldn’t Meet
If you didn’t have time to get around to all the booths, send your resume and cover letters to those employers/recruiters you didn’t meet.

Key Points to Remember

• You will not be hired at a job fair. This is an opportunity for you to meet employers and network. When you are approaching employers, be confident and casual. They can sense desperation!
  
• You may not be interviewed at a job fair. Job fairs can have a “zoo-like” atmosphere and may not be conducive to a formal interview.
  
• Remember that attending a job fair is one tool in getting a job. Keep networking, sending out resumes and applying for jobs! Most of all, stay positive and know your new job could be right around the corner!
  

Get In the Game With a Stellar Resume

The job climate is much different today than it was a few years ago. Job hunters have forgotten how to present themselves to a prospective employer. Their job search skills are poor and they are struggling to find employment.

In today’s job market, a resume which highlights accomplishments and skills is essential for career success. It is time to get back to the basics. Employers are no longer settling for the average job candidate. The ball is in their court now and they have the upper hand.

Your resume is your calling card. Therefore, it should stand out from the rest and go the extra mile in presenting you as the most qualified candidate.

An effective resume is…

• Your ticket to an interview
  The resume serves as an introduction of your qualifications. Its sole purpose is to win an interview.
  
• The agenda setter for the interview
  Interviewers will use your resume as a gauge for interview questions.
  
• A reminder
  Once the interview is over, the hiring manager has their notes and your resume as a reminder of your qualifications. While you don’t have control over what the interviewer decides to write in their notes, you do have control over what is written in your resume. For the most part, the resume may be your last word.
  
• A solid first impression
  In most cases, the employer will only have your resume to evaluate your job performance. Your resume should position you as the best candidate for the job.
  

An ineffective resume is…

• A Personal Document
  Your resume should stress what kind of work you are seeking, what you know, what you have demonstrated, and what immediate contribution you can contribute to the hiring organization. Your resume should not include your personal stats, such as height, weight, hair/eye color, etc. It should also not list your birth date, marital status or social security number.
  
• Easy to write
  If you have written your own resume or are attempting to write your own resume, you can attest to the fact that resumes are difficult to write. Recalling past achievements and presenting them in a compelling way can be tough. Also, if you aren’t objective about your own achievements, this can skew how your career information is presented.
  
• A one-size fits all marketing tool
  In resume writing, there aren’t any rules. I am sure you have read articles that your resume should only be one page, or that your resume should be in chronological format or it won’t be read. The truth is that each job seeker has a different set of circumstances and ironclad rules do not exist in resume writing. It is important that you evaluate your situation and come to a conclusion that fits into your reality.
  
• A magic pill
  In order for your resume to be effective, you must know how to use it. Answering want ads or posting your resume on the Internet is not going to get you the results you desire. You have to be an active job searcher and use the resume as a catalyst for your job search – not as your only tool. Your resume must include the type of job you want, what you know, what you have done, and what you offer an employer.

How to Use References as Your Secret Weapon (and Not Get Torpedoed!)

"REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST." This is standard language that appears on many job seekers' resumes. What is implied is that GOOD references are available upon request. Why would you provide references that will not help you get the job? Sadly, by not adequately preparing themselves and their references, many job seekers have seen a perfect job slip away. Don't let that happen to you.

The practice of calling individuals identified by the applicant themselves to vouch for them might seem silly, but for most hiring companies, reference checking is an important and necessary part of the hiring process. With the costs of hiring an employee ranging from $6,000 to over $25,000 if relocation is involved, employers want to make sure that their investment pays off. Take action to make sure your references actively help you secure the job you want.

1. References Need to be Presented Professionally
You know that your resume and cover letter are supposed to be prepared flawlessly. The presentation of your references should be given the same level of attention and professionalism, as they can reinforce (or undo) the positive impression the potential hiring company already has of you before checking your references.

Nothing is less professional than a job candidate groping through their notes trying to find a phone number for their references. It announces that you are unprepared and perhaps not even confident that you would need to provide references.

Be the person who pulls out a professionally prepared list of outstanding references, with everything that the reference checker could possibly need. This act states that you are ready and organized, and are approaching the job seeking process like the work project it really is.

2. Know the Differences Between "References" and "Employment Verification"
Many people get the terms "References" and “Employment verification” confused. “Employment verification” is when the potential employer contacts your previous places of employment to verify you worked there. This is different than a professional “Reference,” where someone is willing to discuss your work and vouch for your ability to do a good job.

Employment verification focuses primarily on facts; references often focus on subjective information. References are based on personal relationships. You are essentially asking someone to answer questions and share their impressions about your work style, accomplishments and interpersonal skills.

As part of your job-hunting preparation, you also want to do some homework with your former employers to understand their employment verification policy. Each company usually sets its own unique internal guidelines for handling such requests. You should know what information the company will release about you, such as dates of hire, last date of employment and job titles. Most companies restrict the information to those basic facts, but some will share salary and performance information also. Make sure you know who will be handling the response when employment verification requests come in.

3. Choose the Right People to Be Your References
Years ago, it was acceptable to provide both “personal” and “professional" references. In the new millennium, the credibility and relevance of personal references has disappeared. Forget the long-time family friends. Forget the priest, minister, or rabbi. Concentrate only on people who can attest to and give specific examples of your work, work ethic, and work style.

You want to offer 3-4 references, with 5 at the most. Try for a mixture of people above you (bosses, project leaders and managers), people next to you (peers, colleagues and co-workers), people below you (employees, mentees, support staff), and people outside (vendors and customers). Each of these people will view your skills and contributions differently, and can offer refreshing insight to a new employer.

Also strive to represent a mixture of work projects, different jobs you've held and community projects over the last several years. Each reference will therefore be able to provide examples about many different facets of your expertise. The result is a well-rounded and positive picture to paint for your new employer.

4. Time the Presentation of Your References Correctly
Pretend you have offered to be a reference for a colleague. You give permission to be called at work, although your schedule is always busy and overcrowded. Now, (honestly), how many reference discussions with strangers would you like to have about your former colleague? Ten? Fifteen? If you are honest you know it is more like one or two. More than that will start to grate on your nerves. While you want to help, your time is too precious to waste by talking to a lot of people when a job for your friend isn’t really at stake.

The point is that references are one of your most valuable resources in nailing that job offer. Don't waste them, and don't let them be called randomly. Guard them with the respect they deserve and let them only be contacted infrequently.

The ONLY time to share your references’ names and contact numbers is after you have been interviewed and you sense a job offer may be coming (and you are interested in possibly accepting). Before then it is simply too early. Of course, this means that references should never be listed on your resume or on your cover letter. Instead, they should be on their own professionally prepared document that you present to the interviewer at their request.

5. Make It Easy for Someone to Contact Your References
The Reference Sheet should include the reference's name, the address and phone number where they would like to be contacted (ask them, since most will have a preference), their current job title, some background on them (John has worked for GE for 25 years in both engineering and manufacturing, and is now the head of the group pioneering new products. He is a huge Yankees fan), and the nature of your professional relationship with them (I worked for Sue for 6 years, beginning as an administrative assistant. She promoted me to Marketing Coordinator and that was where I learned all about printing).

If you provide all this information in a professional format, you will likely be the only job candidate who adds this special attention to detail. Additionally, the background and relationship information you provide gives an entry point for the reference-checker to begin the call to the reference. This makes it easier on the interviewer, and therefore reflects well on you!

Remember, the reference-checker is forming an impression of you all along the process. Reference checking is subjective -- people "get a feeling" about you from the person. Make the initial impression they have of you positive, "Wow, Joe is so organized, I have lots of information about the people I have to call to discuss him. This is easy."

6. Prep Your References Before They Are Contacted
The worst thing you can do as a job seeker is to allow an experienced Human Resources Manager to contact your unprepared references and begin to grill them about you. Yet most job seekers do not make sure their references are prepared and primed to talk to the future employer. As the owner of the process you need to make sure your references are primed on
a) your past accomplishments and b) your future career goals, interests and strengths.

Does your reference have a copy of your current resume? They must! How many of you can say your boss really knows ALL of the things you get done around the office? Most don't -- so give them a cheat sheet. Remember, these people are your fans, and will love reviewing your resume and agreeing that you are a wonderful employee that can make a real contribution.

Before you give out a reference's name, place a call to them. Tell them about the job you are considering, and what you will be doing in the position. Be sure to tell them which traits to emphasize or what skills you wish them to communicate to the prospective hiring manager. The more they know about the job and what you have already told the potential employer, the better they can assist you in getting the job offer.

7. Make It a Priority To Keep In Touch with Your References
Your work is not done when you get the new job. Be sure to go back and thank your references profusely. Thank you notes are important and are expected from a professional at any level. Anyone who helps you along the way should be thanked and you should offer to return the favor if you can ever help them in the future.

Also, be sure to stay in touch with your references for the long term...you may need them again someday. Many job seekers complain that they have "lost touch" with old employers and colleagues and therefore don't have any references to provide. Starting today, you must take on the responsibility to keep in touch with a list of people you would like to serve as future references. Holiday cards and birthday cards are a great way to stay in touch without a lot of effort.

How Do I Get a Raise?

I usually get this question about 24 hours before the person plans to march into their boss' office and demand more money.

First, let's get our terms straight. Most people write to me about merit -- as opposed to cost-of-living -- increases.

Merit increases are often more substantial than cost-of-living increases and, thus, harder to get. This week's series is focused on merit increases.

Back to our job seeker who wants a drive-through raise. I say: The road to getting a raise is not traveled in a day.

Why? Because, contrary to what some career counselors will tell you, it's not only how you ask for a raise, but what you have to back up your request.

If, for example, you're a bad employee, no amount of smooth talking is likely to convince your supervisor to push for a raise.

Master the Basics

Some employees mistakenly believe that they can ignore job basics: Showing up to work on time, following instructions and being professional to name just a few.

Failing to master the basics is a monumental roadblock to salary increases and, more seriously, career advancement.

There's another interesting thing about the basics of holding down a job: If you master them, no one is likely to notice.

This may not make much sense until you compare job basics to society's basics.

Take stealing, for example. Now, if you don't steal something, chances are the police won't drop by your house and say: "Hey Mabel, we just wanted to thank you for being such a great citizen." But, if you do steal, you're likely to have an extensive encounter with the authorities.

The basics are the given of the employee/employer relationship. They are the fundamental rules without which companies could not survive. Flout them at your own risk.

Prepare Your Supervisor

When it comes to deciding who gets a raise, it's "deserve" that matters -- not "desire."

A raise goes through an approval process all it's own. In many cases, your supervisor has to get the approval of her supervisor before you'll see an extra dime.

Supervisors need more than a string of "really"s to make an effective argument for granting a raise. "I really, really, really need more money," will really, really, really fail in most cases.

Instead, back up your request with hard proof.

Bring along a copy of your performance review if it will help your case. If it's not a great review, be prepared to show how you've shown improvement.

• Provide hard copies of positive e-mails you've received from your supervisor, other employees or customers.



• Provide a list of major assignments that you've gotten good feedback on.



• Use a salary calculator to see how much people who share your job title and location are making.



• Have some idea about how your role feeds into the bottom line. Do you attract customers, who in turn spend money? Do you support teams that generate revenue for the company? Do you constantly look for ways to save the company money?



• Avoid issuing an ultimatum -- unless you're prepared to stand by it. Employees will often say, in so many words, that either they get a raise or they will quit. If you're just bluffing, be prepared for your supervisor to call your bluff. It happens more often than you might think.

Timing Is Money

The ideal time to ask for a raise is during the course of a performance review or promotion. Promotions that include title changes are usually accompanied by merit increases.

Don't approach your supervisor at a bad time. Wait until you and she have time to sit down and have a leisurely conversation. Don't trap your supervisor at the watercooler.

If you schedule a salary discussion with your supervisor ahead of time, chances are she will be keeping an extra close eye on your work to see if you really deserve more money. It's a critical period to prove you're valuable. The job basics we discovered earlier this week may be more closely monitored than usual.

As for new employees, they should generally wait a year before requesting a pay increase.

When Things Go Wrong, Understand Why

A bad performance review does not bar you from getting a raise -- at least in the long term.

But, you'll have to do some work.

A while back, I got an e-mail recently from someone who said he had been demoted, but didn't know why.

Demotions are ugly things, and sometimes -- though they shouldn't -- they come as a shock to the employee. But, your most important responsibility upon the news that you have been demoted or are underperforming is to understand why.

As the wise saying goes, "Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

Avoid being defensive. Instead express your regret and willingness to improve. It might sound something like this: "I'm upset that I haven't been meeting your goals. I want to understand where I have underperformed, so I can focus on improvement in those areas."

Get specific examples from your supervisor. Write these down and constantly work to improve.

Money, as it has been said, does not grow on trees. But it also doesn't grow on magic beanstalks that spout up overnight without being carefully tended and nurtured. Getting a raise is not a short- term process, but it is one that can pay off. The good work you do in order to get a raise can also result in promotions and -- if you do eventually decide to move on -- great references.

Get a Salary Rise: Six Tips

Every day you go to work and you sell your products or services with passion and belief in their abilities. But how well can you sell 'Me Ltd'? If you feel that you are underpaid for the work that you do, would you know how to approach your employer to ask for a raise? Probably not, and most employers are wise to this.

According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, only a quarter of workers will get a pay rise this year which means that most of us will not get a rise at all.

So, how can you successfully negotiate a salary increase from your employer?

1. Ask for a meeting
Simply ask for a review meeting to discuss your performance but don't mention the main purpose because your boss is more likely to say 'No' there and then. You need to take control of the situation and arrange a meeting which will enable you to make your case and sell your argument.

2. Do your homework
You wouldn't walk into a client meeting unprepared would you? The same rule applies to asking for a pay rise.

Get up to speed with the average salaries in your industry for the role that you do -- look on the Internet, many Web sites have salary checkers that you can use, and look at job adverts to determine your actual worth. This will help you to make a strong argument for the figure you are asking for.

3. Get your timing right
Nobody owes you a job and no boss has to give you a pay rise simply because you want one. So, before you walk into you boss's office demanding that you get a pay increase, take a step back and ask yourself a few things first.

Was your last increase within the last nine months? If yes, ask yourself why you warrant another increase so soon. Has your performance justified asking for more money, have you been consistently achieving your targets? Do you outperform your colleagues?

The best time to negotiate is after a period of consistent performance that makes you the obvious candidate for a pay rise.

And, ask for it on a Friday afternoon because the boss will then have the weekend to worry about whether you are planning to leave the company or not.

4. Negotiate from a position of power
Put yourself in your boss's shoes, see your boss as your client -- he pays you to do a job for him and, if you want to increase your sales [salary], you need to justify the reasons why he should invest more of his annual personnel budget in you.

So, be prepared to sell your strengths and evidence of success. Demonstrate your contribution to revenue, cost-savings, increased revenues for your territory or quality of customer service for the last and next six months.

It is probable that your boss is not the final decision maker so you need to make your argument clear and concise to help get buy-in from the chain of command. Therefore, document it in a presentation format -- your boss may not remember what you have done and facts and figures are more effective when presented than when spoken.

Remember, pay raises are not about being fair; they are a business decision like all other business decisions and your boss will want to know what he will get in return from this extra investment.

5. Have a back-up plan if the answer is 'No'
Sometimes there are genuine reasons why you may not get a pay rise, such as economic conditions in the industry. But, it's not all about the money. Just because your boss has said 'No' to a pay rise doesn't mean that you cannot ask for non-financial benefits as an alternative.

You could ask for more paid time-off, a higher car-allowance or subsidised gym membership to help burn off all the extra calories gained during the festive period.

Perhaps you could ask for training and development that will enhance your skills and, ultimately, marketability - the company are more inclined to pay for this. After all, employees are the companies' biggest assets.

6. Finally, don't burn your bridges
If despite your best efforts you have not been able to successfully negotiate the pay rise that you want, you may decide that you feel undervalued by the organisation. But, at the very least, you should leave the door open for approaching the subject again in six months' time.

Even if you decide to look for another job don't do it with a bitter attitude. Who knows when your paths may cross again in the future.

Simple Steps to Get Your C.V. Into Shape

Writing a C.V. is a lot like going to the gym: it requires initiative, energy and dedication, and, at times, it can be daunting. In the long run, however, the hard work pays off and allows you to put your best foot forward with prospective employers.

This autumn, try out an exercise routine that will improve your career prospects: a five-step C.V.-writing workout. You may not have the muscle tone to show for it, but you'll have an impressive tool to use in your job search. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to your field, you can follow the same simple regimen.

Step 1: Establish an objective.
While the main goal of exercise may be to lose a little weight, a job seeker’s ultimate aim is to be recruited. Start by including an objective on your C.V. It should spell out your career goals and your qualifications for the role. Although it is an optional element, an objective allows you to tailor your C.V. to the job vacancy. Make sure what you include in this section is targeted to the company and the job for which you are applying. Your objective might look something like this: “An entry-level position at a magazine that gives me an opportunity to apply my background in English and my three years’ experience as editor of my university newspaper.”

Step 2: Shift into high gear.
If you expect to see results, whether you're working on your calves or on your C.V., sooner or later, you've got to pick up the pace. Since the work history section is the most important element of your C.V., it’s the best section to work hard on. Most employers prefer that applicants list their work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with their most recent jobs. Be sure to include the position, company, location and dates of employment. Use action words to describe your accomplishments and specifically demonstrate how you made a positive impact on the company. For example, it’s not enough to say, “Grew territory revenue in excess of corporate goal.” A statement such as, “Grew territory revenues 25% in less than six months, exceeding established goal of 15%,” will impress employers more.

Remember that one size does not fit all on your C.V. If you're applying for a variety of roles, what you highlight should relate specifically to each unique job vacancy.

If you have been out of the workforce for some time or are looking to make a career change, consider grouping your work history under functional categories instead of chronologically.

Step 3: Eliminate extraneous activities.
Even the strongest athletes run out of steam when they overexert themselves. Avoid exhausting yourself, and the C.V. reader, by weeding out information that does not directly relate to the job at hand. For example, if you are currently in a finance role and a big fan of the circus, there’s no point in mentioning your affinity for the flying trapeze. Or if you want to show off a particular skill that isn't included in the work history section, such as familiarity with a certain software application, list the training courses you've taken or certifications you've received. Just don't go into detail about personal hobbies that don't directly relate to the job.

Step 4: Don't forget the final stretch.
Feeling the burn of lactic acid build-up while exercising is one thing, but waking up in pain is another. Smart athletes know it’s important to conclude their exercise routines with some final stretches. After you've written your C.V., you should give it one last look for grammar and punctuation errors, misspelled words and typos. Format the document so it’s easy to read and appealing to the eye. Use boldface type for section headings, employer names and jobs titles, and leave ample white space so it doesn't look cluttered.

If you submit your application via e-mail, prepare the file as a plain-text document so it can be read on any computer system. Remove all formatting enhancements, such as underlining or boldface, and replace bullets with asterisks or dashes.

Step 5: Request a quick once-over.
If you've worked hard to develop well-defined abs, you shouldn't be afraid to show them off. Similarly, before submitting your C.V., show it to a few friends or professionals in the field and ask if they think it successfully highlights your background and skills. A pair of fresh eyes also can spot any errors that you've overlooked.

Writing a C.V. can be challenging, but it shouldn't make you break out in a sweat. Approach the task like you would a workout: Break it down into small steps, take your time and give each one your all. With a little effort and willpower, you're bound to strengthen your chances of landing the job you seek.

Six Ways to Get Back in the Job Market

If you have been out of the job market for a while, you may feel intimidated by a job search. But don't be. Whether you have been comfortable in your current job for a long period and want a new challenge or even change career, or you are retuning to work after spending time away raising a family, you can make a smooth transition back into the into the job market.

Here are some tips and tricks that will prepare you to look beyond the obvious when searching for a new job.

1. Have a plan
The old adage "fail to plan, plan to fail" is as true today as it has ever been. Ensure you have a clear understanding of your career plans and ambitions.

If you are just embarking on your career it is important to join an organisation noted for its training. Some organisations have built up reputations as excellent training providers or promoting from within, for example, and are industry-recognised as leaders in their field.

2. Become Internet savvy
Most online job boards offer job seekers the opportunity to register their details and CVs onto a database that can searched by potential employers, recruitment consultancies and head-hunting firms.

This puts your details in the public domain and increases your visibility in your chosen marketplace. And, most job boards will allow you to block your current company from seeing your details, so you don't have to worry if your boss discovers that you are actively looking for another job.

Create your own blog. Writing a blog gives you the opportunity to become a leading authority on your business. It also gives potential employers an insight into your character and -- if you keep it updated -- dedication.

Blogs can act as a personal PR tool too because you can link your blog to other blogs to create a network and this will further enhance your credibility and profile.

3. Become an expert in your field
One of the most effective ways of getting noticed quickly is by attracting media attention.

I am not suggesting that you have to go the extremes of appearing on "60 Minutes" or "Newsnight." But, writing articles for your trade publications or running seminars and presentations to business leaders will position you as a leading authority. The media will know you and so will potential employers.

4. Put it about and open some doors
The power of networking cannot be underestimated. Think of it like speed dating for workers -- self-promotion to impress a potential suitor (employer). Admittedly not everyone is comfortable schmoozzing with a room full of strangers.

But, networking can enable you to gain access to the hidden job market and it can take place at industry functions, breakfast meetings, online or even at the bus stop.

From a self-marketing point of view, networking can increase your chances of getting your next job by as much as 33 per cent, according to Richard Bolles, author of "What Color is Your Parachute?"

Keep your conversations short to give yourself the opportunity to speak to as many people in the room as possible. The more business cards and contacts you make the better.

5. Ask questions
If you are considering changing your career, ask someone who does the job that you want how they got where they are. People love to talk about themselves, it's human nature. And, the more people that you talk to, the more you will identify the key traits needed to achieve your ambition - and know what pitfalls to avoid.

6. Phone a friend
Personal recommendation and word of mouth are one of the most effective forms of advertising. Some career analysts suggest that 80 per cent of vacancies are not advertised.

After Y2K, a new school of marketing thought emerged that questioned the effectiveness of advertising in the modern age -- when did you last see Starbuck's advertising? They don't. But everyone has heard of Starbuck's.

So, contact ex-colleagues to unearth potential opportunities, and get client testimonials to add to your CV. And, increase your chances of being found by posting your CV on the job sites and let potential employers find you.