50 companies hiring entry-level workers right now

• 2-minute read •
If getting a new job is your #1 New Year's resolution and it hasn't happened yet, don't freak out. You're actually in a great position because January is one of the busiest times for companies to hire—and since January is also one of the busiest months for job seekers, it's a win-win for everyone.

Using data provided by the TalentNeuron tool from insights and technology company CEB, we found some of the top firms on the hunt for fresh, entry-level talent. So get your resume ready and take a look. Whether you want to work in retail, health care, sales—or just about anything—there's a company on this list that could have the perfect job for you.

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Now’s a great time to score a prime job with Amazon

• 2-minute read •
If the labor market sent thank-you notes, one would surely end up in Amazon’s mailbox. Today, the online mega-retailer announced via press release that it plans to add more than 100,000 new, full-time, full-benefit jobs across the U.S. over the course of the next 18 months.

Amazon has been a massive job creator in the United States. Over the past five years, the Seattle-based company has created more than 150,000 jobs in the U.S., growing its workforce from 30,000 employees in 2011 to more than 180,000, according to the statement.

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These are the 9 skills that would make any hiring manager happy

They’re called “transferable” because you can take them with you to any new gig.
If you’ve considered changing careers, you've probably grappled with the fear that you might not have the right skills for a new line of work. But give yourself a little credit. You’ve got skills. Plenty of ‘em in fact. And just the type employers in all industries are looking for.

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Hiring Manager Secrets

If you worry about every possible way you can blow a job interview -- from mispronouncing the boss's name to babbling incessantly when you don't know what else to say -- you're going to walk in there feeling like you're destined to fail. True, job interviews are rife with opportunities for you to embarrass yourself, but hiring managers are more forgiving than you might think. We consulted some hiring experts about what is really going on inside their heads when interviewing job applicants. They offered the following insights:

They like you. They really like you.

Most hiring managers come to the interview wanting to hire you. They are hoping you are the best person for the job and can start when they need you. After all, you made it to the interview didn't you?

Show you are confident, even if you have to fake it.

Most hiring managers come to the interview wanting to hire you. They are hoping you are the best person for the job and can start when they need you. Have confidence. If you are frustrated with your job search, don't let that negativity show to the employer. Your pessimism can be a turnoff. Even if it's a temporary attitude brought on by rejection, the hiring manager might think it's your overall attitude. After all, you made it to the interview didn't you?

Don't apologize for being out of work.

A layoff can happen to anyone. What do you do if it happens to you? Don't be ashamed -- in today's climate, layoffs occur (unfortunately) daily. Many job seekers are in your shoes. Don't apologize. Instead, focus on the job you are interviewing for by showcasing your skills and exhibiting how you are the best fit.

Target your job search.

While you don't need to possess every single skill listed on a posting, you should at least be qualified for the position and prove that you have transferable skills. Your targeted résumé will help prove you're a serious candidate and have the right qualifications for the position. If you're spending time applying for jobs you're not qualified for, you're wasting valuable time you could be devoting to a position that's a better fit. If you recognize where your strengths lie and what transferable skills you possess, you'll see better results than if you apply to any posting you come across.

Get primed.

"Tell me what you know about the company" or "Why would you fit in well here?" have become staple interview questions, so don't be caught off guard. Shrugging your shoulders and saying, "I don't know" isn't going to score you points. Look at the company's Web site and read press releases and newspaper articles to see what's going on with your prospective future boss. In addition to prepare for the interview, you'll learn whether the company and its culture are a right fit for you.

They don't want to hear what you think they want to hear

Interviewers have gotten very smart to picking up if someone's spewing something they've memorized from a book. By only saying what they think the employer wants to hear, job candidates are simply putting on an act, and employers can see right through that. You have to be yourself in an interview and you have to be sincere.

They don't expect you to have all the answers

Employers are more interested in how you find answers to things you don't know than if you pretend to know something you don't. In some cases, the interviewer may ask a question that he or she doesn't expect you to be able to answer simply to see how you handle it. If you ever find that you don't know the answer to an interviewer's question, the best thing to do is to admit that you don't know, but either add that you could give an educated guess or provide a way you might go about finding the answer. Most important, if you don't know, don't try to fake it. Not knowing is OK. Making something up or pretending to know is not.

They want you to want them

You need to express genuine interest in the job or the company. As much as the recruiter wants to sell the candidate on the position and company, the recruiter also wants to know that the candidate actually wants to work in that position or for that company.

5 Things You Need to be Telling Hiring Managers

Competition in the job market is fierce, and if you hope to land a new position, you must stand out from the crowd -- but for the right reasons. You want to provide hiring managers with a positive impression, so here are a few messages you should get across right from the start.

1. "I'm professional."

Potential hires who take the application process seriously will be treated similarly by prospective employers. This means, for example, proofreading your application materials for grammatical or spelling errors. It never hurts to have someone else review your cover letter and résumé as well, in case you overlook something. Also, be careful with the type of language you use. Remember that your application materials are business documents, so avoid slang or casual speech, such as the kind you might use when text messaging with your friends.

2. "I'm a go-getter."

Because hiring managers are being inundated with résumés, your application materials may get only a cursory glance. That's why you need to take some initiative. For instance, when you initially contact the employer, instead of ending your cover letter or e-mail with a standard statement like, "I look forward to hearing from you," be proactive. Try: "I will contact you next Thursday at 3 p.m. to discuss the opportunity and my fit for the position in greater detail."

Also, unless you're specifically asked not to, follow up with an employer if you haven't heard back after sending in your résumé. In fact, 82 percent of executives polled by Robert Half said job seekers should contact hiring managers within two weeks of submitting application materials. By doing so, you can reassert your interest in the position and remain top of mind.

3. "I'm an expert."

Employers want to hire people who can hit the ground running. That's why you need to demonstrate your expertise from the beginning. Three great methods for doing so are enhancing your online reputation, joining a professional association and earning a certification.

Options for increasing your exposure include starting a professional blog or Web site, submitting articles to an industry publication or even simply contributing to message boards. For instance, blogging about the industry that you want to work in and including the blog's link on your résumé gives prospective employers an easy way to see that you are well-informed.

By joining industry groups and trade associations, you can remain up-to-date with recent trends through interaction with others in the field. Use your résumé to highlight your membership in a professional group and show hiring managers your interest in furthering your industry knowledge.

Finally, consider earning a relevant industry certification. Many employers value candidates who have these credentials because they demonstrate a desire for continual professional development.

4. "I can save your company money."

In today's economy, companies are looking for ways to reduce costs. If you've implemented successful cost-cutting measures for previous employers, describe how you did so in your résumé or cover letter. For example, when applying for a role as an administrative assistant, you might note that in your last position, you helped renegotiate your company's contract with an office supplies vendor, reducing spending in this area by 10 percent. Hiring managers will take notice of these types of accomplishments.

5. "I can fill your need."

To show that you are an exact fit for an open role, make sure your application materials are targeted to each position and company. Use phrases from the job description within your résumé and cover letter, so long as they accurately describe your experience. Many employers use software programs that scan application materials for relevant keywords, so even if you are qualified but don't use the employer's terminology, your résumé may never be seen.

Sending the right messages to a prospective employer may not guarantee that you are offered the job, but it will increase your chances of being called for an interview. Then, you can make your case in person.

Tips On Moving From Temp to Perm Hire

Here I cover tips and ideas on how to best prepare yourself to turn that temporary job into a full time permanent position.

Temporary work is a good way to earn cash and can lead to a permanent position if you play your cards right.

This month's newsletter reveals six tips for turning a temporary position into a permanent one. With the right approach you may land a job you never even applied for.

These six topics will be covered:

1. Perform as a permanent
2. Burn the midnight oil
3. Dress to impress
4. Advertise yourself
5. Show company concern
6. Train yourself constantly

1. PERFORM AS A PERMANENT
Whether you are a temp or a full-time employee, you get paid for one reason and one reason alone: to get work done. Every employee is responsible for doing his/her assignments correctly and on time. Temporary workers often operate under the misconception that their work is different from the work of a permanent employee.

Temps that give every job their best effort, impress companies the most. If you hope to become a permanent employee, then you should act like you already are one. The quality of your work must be just as good, if not better, than everyone else's.

2. BURN THE MIDNIGHT OIL
A temp job usually means an 8 to 5 workday, but living by the clock won't impress your supervisor. If you want to land a permanent position, you must exhibit a willingness to work. A little overtime can say a lot about your diligence.

Time is money, so make these time issues a priority:

• Never come in late or leave early, even if it is just by a few minutes. A supervisor will assume any habits you have as a temp would continue after becoming permanent.
• Before leaving for the day, check that your boss has everything he/she needs. This shows that you are willing to put in the extra time and effort to get things done.

3. DRESS TO IMPRESS
The quality of a temp's work should be no different from that of a full-time employee. Similarly, the appearance of a temp should be no different from a full-time employee's either. Somehow, people begin to believe that a temporary position is a license to dress down.

If you want to be considered a professional, dress the part.

• Always ask what the office dress code is before starting.
• Never stray away from the dress code, even if you think nobody pays attention to your appearance.

4. ADVERTISE YOURSELF
As you fight for that permanent position, the best advantage is to have people on your side. People in temporary positions often have the "get in, get out, don't make a sound" attitude. That's fine if you are a cat burglar, not if you are trying to get a job.

Your chance of moving into a permanent position depends on your chemistry with co-workers:

• Get to know as many people as possible, even outside of the deptartment. Make your name, face, and good attitude recognizable to everyone you can.
• Don't be afraid to discuss work or small talk with full-time employees. You need to be comfortable with your co-workers.
• Make good friends. When it comes time to fill a permanent position, it doesn't hurt to have the people in charge fighting for you.

5. SHOW COMPANY CONCERN
Part of advertising yourself to people is letting them see your outlook on work and life. This means more than just a being friendly to people. It means being genuinely concerned with how the office runs and the future of the company.

If you aren't interested in the company, why should the company be interested in you? Keep the following in mind:

• A smiling face and positive attitude help foster teamwork and a pleasant workplace.
• Voice concerns about the future of the company. Let others know you consider yourself part of the team and want to see everyone succeed.
• Never be phony. It's easy to spot, impossible to forget, and incredibly unappealing.

6. TRAIN YOURSELF CONSTANTLY
One of the biggest problems with hiring new employees is training them. As a temp, you have the advantage of beginning your training early. Learn as much as you can quickly and try and learn it the first time around. If you can do this, your supervisor will take notice.

Learning quickly doesn't come easy, so keep these things in mind:

• Learning is the most important thing; so if push comes to shove, don't be afraid to have people repeat themselves. More generally, never be afraid to ask a question, it shows you want to learn.
• Go the extra mile. Even if a particular task isn't part of your duties, take an interest in learning it. The more you can do, the more appealing you become.

CONCLUSION
Temping may not be every person's cup of tea, but it is hardly unskilled labor. Temping is more like a delicate art form. Taking a temporary position provides numerous benefits and opportunities for a person with the right background, knowledge, and attitude. Instead of turning your nose up at the idea, give it some serious consideration. Temping may be just the tool you need to jumpstart your career plans.

MBA Hiring Outlook: Sunny Today, But Clouds on the Horizon

The MBA class of 2008 is harvesting a bumper crop of offers, but given the poor quality of today’s economic soil, the class entering this fall may not reap the same rewards.

“The Fortune 500 were very active last fall and most schools saw a 20 percent increase in the number of companies coming to campus,” reports Maury Hanigan, president of Hanigan Consulting Group in New York City, a campus recruiting firm that produces the MBA Scouting Report for corporations. “Student organizations and schools were overwhelmed by employers who wanted to give presentations or set up events last fall.”

However, MBA recruiting always lags the economy by two years, so those entering MBA programs now will graduate in a different market, she warns. “It takes so long for companies to build their presence on campus and put in place an effective MBA program that they’re reluctant to shut them down when the economy slows,” Hanigan says. “It’s a bellwether when you know how to read it.”

Despite the economy, companies are still recruiting MBA students at the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business, says Pat Perrella, senior associate director of the school’s MBA Career Development office.

“What I think is happening, especially in the financial industry, is that firms are laying off more experienced people with bigger salaries, but they don’t want to turn off the spigot of incoming talent,” he says. “They did that in the tech bust of 2000, and five years down the road, they had a real problem filling vice president spots, because they didn’t have that rising talent coming up through the firm. They’re trying to avoid that.”

Who’s Hot, Who’s Not

Demand is particularly strong for MBAs with finance, accounting and information technology experience, says Patricia Di Nunzio, regional managing director for recruitment firm The Mergis Group in Columbus, Ohio. “They’re very placeable,” she says. “Every organization has a need for a good, solid financial analyst with two to three years experience and an MBA.”

Six weeks before graduation, some MBA students at the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business were still waiting for job offers, because their first-choice employer was a startup or small business that doesn’t hire nine months before graduation, like large firms do. Stacey Rudnick, director of MBA Career Services, says she has an increasing number of MBA students eschewing traditional investment bank, corporate finance and consulting jobs in favor of niche positions in real estate, entertainment, corporate social responsibility and nonprofits.

At Notre Dame, students who limited their job search to single cities or small lists of acceptable employers were having a harder time finding jobs, Perrella says. “If you are geographically tied down, you’re limiting your pool [of potential employers],” he explains.

The hiring environment has not been as robust for international students, who typically make up about a third of the class at top-tier universities, Rudnick says. “Because of H-1B visa caps, we continue to see that, unless there’s a change in immigration laws, it’s hard for companies to get visa applications through,” she explains.

Proceed with Caution

If the economy continues to weaken, the job market could be especially hard for MBA graduates who went directly into their program from undergraduate school. That’s what happened to new graduates who flocked to MBA programs during the 2001 to 2004 economic downturn, says Phil Gardner, director of research for the Collegiate Employment Research Institute at Michigan State University. “Employers were negative about that, because those young people didn’t have a lot of experience before they got those expensive MBAs,” he says. “There was a huge supply of MBAs that came out in a weak economy that was slow to respond. We’re just finally seeing some employers increase MBA hiring. In the last two years, it’s gone up about 11 percent.”

Whether they came from the workforce or undergraduate school is unclear, but more students are headed to MBA programs these days, which will mean more competition for jobs in the next few years.

Nearly two-thirds of full-time business education programs received more applications in 2007 than they did in 2006. Among part-time programs, 69 percent reported increased application levels, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). And 63 percent of executive MBA programs -- typically geared for professionals with eight or more years of experience -- said more applicants came to their doors in 2007 compared with 2006, according to GMAC’s latest data. The most competitive executive MBA programs typically have high placement rates.

Earning an MBA won’t change overall job market conditions or solve your personal job woes if you have little experience and then enroll in a school that is not selective, Gardner says. “You spend a lot of money and there’s no guarantee you’re going to get that money back,” he says. “Go to Wharton, you’ll get your money back. But if you go to a [low-ranked] state university or a for-profit online school, there’s no guarantee.”