As a job seeker, you may perceive what seem to be unyielding obstacles in your job search and feel like there is no way to bypass them.  I know I have.  For example, you read about a company you’re interested in online, but there is no information about the company’s resume and/or application submission process on their website.  How can you move forward when you don’t have enough information to make the next step?  Or maybe you’re ready to upload your resume to a company website, and find that you also need to create a profile.  Since creating a profile is time-consuming, you don’t want to spend time entering information for a job opportunity that may never exist.    Whatever the obstacle, you have a legitimate reason for wanting the specific information that allows you to make intelligent decisions about what to do next that makes the best use of your time.

One option is to call the Human Resources department of your target company.  Next potential obstacle however, the receptionist transfers you, and you now are listening to a well-crafted voicemail message.  The voice of the HR rep says that your phone call will be returned if you leave your name, phone number, and reason for calling.  You comply and leave a message.  After a day goes by without a response, you leave another message.  A few days later you check your job search records and realize that you may have to follow up again because you never received a response.  What you don’t want to do is to leave yet another voicemail message because it may end up in the “circular file.”

Why You Didn’t Receive a Call  Back from the HR Manager  

• You aren’t high on the HR Manager’s priority list.
• You aren’t on the HR Manager’s priority list at all.
• You are on the HR Manager’s never a priority list.
• Although you stated that your only question is whether they employ individuals with your type of background in your voicemail message, the HR Manager can’t be sure that a return phone call will not take more time than first anticipated.

To simplify, the HR Manager is swamped!

What Can Work for You!  (It Worked for Me.)  

When you call to ask your question and are faced with what message to leave after the beep, leave your email address and phone number.  I actually did that and received an email the same day with the answer to my question.  I then sent a ‘thank you’ email back, and that was the end of the communication.  Short and sweet!  I received the information I needed without being intrusive.  When you leave your voicemail message, state the information in this order:

• Your name and why you are calling
  • For example, I am Jane B., an animation guru who is seeking employment with the Tewlu-Toons Company.
• Your question
  • Don’t get too complicated.  I would say one or two short questions at the most.
  • The purpose is to receive answers that allow you to go to the next step, and not discourage the HR Manager from contacting you.
  • For example, I am calling to find out whether you ever hire animation specialists.
• Your email address
  • State this first since this is your preferred way of communicating and, most likely, the HR Manager’s preference, as well.
• Your phone number
  • Just in case the HR Manager prefers a phone call.  Who knows?
  • This is the last part of my message because I do not really expect the HR Manager to return my call, but it has happened. And who knows, your timing might be perfect and there may be a job opening.

If you would rather not leave a message with your email address after finding out that the HR Manager is not available, make a second phone call and talk to the receptionist.  This also worked for me.

1. Explain that the HR Manager did not answer.
2. Politely ask if they can provide the HR Manager’s email address so that you can ask your question that way instead.
3. When you compose the email, briefly explain upfront why you are sending the email, and who provided the email address.  (Mention the receptionist by name, if possible.)

Of course, the HR Manager may be overloaded with emails, and that may delay or even prevent you from receiving a response.  No system is perfect!  However, this does provide you with an alternative way of communicating in a less intrusive way with an HR Manager who may have time to answer an email request rather than spend time on the phone.

Image: Courtesy of Pixabay.

About the Author:

Gail DeBole has been a technical writer who is currently reinventing her role as a writer. Connect with her on LinkedIn and mention you read this post here on Jackalope Jobs!

It’s not uncommon for economists to work independently in office settings, in team environments with other economists and statistician, or as freelance financial analysts. No matter what, the “normal” pathway to a career as an economist is to acquire a master’s or Ph.D. degree in economics or a related fields, such as business administration or finance. However, individuals who obtain a bachelor’s degree in economics qualify for many analyst and research entry-level positions.

Bachelor’s degree graduates of economics can earn competitive starting salaries of slightly over $45,000, and have opportunities to advance to higher-level positions through both experience and by obtaining higher degrees in the field. Many experienced economists earn more than $100,000 annually, in addition to employee benefits and perks.

Switching to Economics

There are several benefits to switching your major to economics, especially if you intend to pursue a job in business and finance. As previously mentioned, economics majors are employable for a number of job positions. These individuals must possess the skills to perform in-depth analysis of economic conditions and collect data to predict and forecast the financial conditions of organizations, as well as strategic financial goals of businesses and organizations. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), economics graduates earn the highest starting salaries of all business administration majors. NACE also reports that in April 2012 graduates of economics degrees were earning average starting salaries of $54,800, whereas the overall median salary for business administration majors was $47,748.

Economic Courses

An economics degree will focus primarily on the combination of law, finance, and mathematics courses. Aspiring economics students should possess high-level mathematics skills and have a basic understanding of (or desire to learn more about) the money and banking industries. Additionally economics majors need strong analytical and statistical skills and be able to analyze and transform mathematical figures and data into solutions. Because economists analyze economic trends and forecast results, they must have a passion for current affairs and politics. They should be able to logically connect patterns and research findings to predict results.

Economics majors begin their courses by completing the principles of macroeconomics and microeconomics and advancing to intermediate courses. Other courses will include public finance, public policy and regulations, environmental economics, international economics, mathematical economics, and labor economics.

Career Outlook

Although pursuing a degree in economics does not lead to one specific type of career, economics majors can pursue many jobs in both the private and public sector. Many government agencies seek individuals with economics and finance backgrounds to perform jobs as financial analysts, researchers and financial forecasters. Graduates with economics degrees qualify for a variety of banking and financial service positions, such as loan officers, financial managers, investment bankers, and credit analysts.

Individuals who pursue higher level degrees, such as master’s and Ph.D. degrees in economics qualify for many jobs in the education industry, such as professors and researchers. Also, some economists pursue jobs in the accounting field, such as jobs related to auditing and financial consulting. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many businesses and organizations regardless of industry seek the assistance of economists to analyze economic trends and forecast business sales. The BLS also reports that economists earn a median annual salary of $89,450 as of May 2010. Economists working in the scientific research and development services as well as the federal executive branch earn annual wages of slightly over $100,000.

Given the labor market data and the nature of the field itself, economics is an enticing concentration for university students well into the foreseeable future. Economics graduates have relatively strong employment prospects, as an economics degree is one of the more versatile degrees around. However, as with all career fields, those considering economics should carefully review their own strengths and weaknesses to best align themselves for success in the field.

About the Author:

Stephen Cain writes on finance, taxation, credit, debt reduction, international economics, business and other related issues. To learn more about credit repair and management visit www.kelcreditrepair.com.

What are some things to do and what are some things to avoid when you search for your summer internship?

Search for internships as you’d search for a job

It’s important to search for an internship as you would any other job. What this means is that you still need to have a great online brand, a great custom resume, thought leader connections, and should only apply for internships that will benefit you.

Allocate the time for your summer internship

We’re all busy people. However, if you’re going to apply for an internship, make sure you have the time for it. Don’t go overboard with what you take on this summer–too many activities can affect your performance.

Find out your job duties in-depth beforehand

Before you take a summer internship, find out what you’ll be doing. After all, being the coffee runner all summer may not be your idea of the perfect internship. Ask the right questions before you commit to an organization so you won’t be faced with any surprises.

Be more than an intern

Being more than an intern means coming to the table with your own ideas, proactively arranging meetings with your boss, and creating solutions to problems. This not only shows your value, but also proves that you can do more than just answer phones or do busy work.

Take what you’ve learned and run with it

No matter what kind of experience you had in your summer internship, it’s important to learn from every occurrence. This is how you can prepare for the future and how you can grow as professional.

What to learn more? Check out the full post on TheLadders!

Didn’t make the chat? Check out a recap of our discussion on making the most out of your summer internship.

Q1. What should young professionals do before they start their summer internships?

@hourly A1: Get ready to work and be a sponge! #ResuChat

@TomBolt A1: Networking starts before you get there. Research who you want to meet and what you can do for them. #ResuChat

@JMMuscarello I can’t tell you how many internships show up to mts without one RT@JackalopeJobs Great tip with the notebook! #ResuChat

@InternMatch A1. Set goals before you come to the office. For ex. Meet and build relationships with 10 people in your office. #ResuChat

Q2. How can interns track their accomplishments?

@kavita1010 A2: Feedback is helpful. Hopefully, you hear about what you’ve done right. And you’ll DEFINITELY hear what you’ve done wrong! #ResuChat

@1DegreeHire A2: Accomplishments can be measured by network growth over the course of the internship. More new connections = more success #ResuChat

@InternMatch A2 Interns are in a unique role. People know you need feedback and are there to learn. Ask for ideas on what u can/should improve. #ResuChat

@TomBolt A2: Resumes are a list of accomplishments, so update it regularly during the internship. #ResuChat

Q3. How can you avoid stereotypical internship tasks, like being the coffee runner?

@ChaimShapiro A3 Prove your value early…they won’t want to waste your time on coffee #ResuChat

@hourly A3: Always be willing to take on news tasks or ask if you can help with something. Be too busy for coffee runs #ResuChat

@InternMatch A3. Key to avoiding coffee fetching? Always over deliver. Prove you can handle responsibility and you will get it. #ResuChat

@ToeJamson A3: Ask them what you’ll be doing when you’re in the interview process. “Various office/clerical tasks” should sound an alarm. #ResuChat

Q4. What’s the best way to ask for more responsibility during your summer internship?

@TomBolt A4: Keep your ears open. Finding the right opening to ask is a matter of timing and usually is a sixth sense, not a plan. #ResuChat

@tiffenator Have at minimum weekly progress or update meetings with your boss/coach. Ask for feedback and more challenging work diplomatically #ResuChat

@sparkhire A4 Work really really hard when you first get there. Then after showing your capability, simply ask. Your employer will love it. #ResuChat

@InternMatch A4. Ask how you performed on your last project. Express what you enjoy/are good at. Figure out where you can add value! #ResuChat

Q5. How can interns extend their time with an organization?

@JMMuscarello A5 Take the list of tasks you created and pull out the most important. Show them the impact you had and all you did #ResuChat

@kavita1010 A5: Make sure your boss knows you’re open to continuing. Ask for leads on new opps if you can’t stay in same role. #ResuChat

@levyrecruits A5 1. Define performance expectations at the start of the internship 2. Exceed the expectations 3. Say, “Can I do more?” #ResuChat

@InternMatch A5. Be honest. Talk to your boss 1 mo before the internship ends. Express interest to continue working and see if it’s possible #ResuChat

Q6. What is some other advice for interns this summer?

@hourly A6: Stay in touch with the connections from your internship. You’ll need them sooner than you might think! #ResuChat

@InternMatch A6. Don’t just get lunch with other interns! Invite people from other depts and companies. Ask questions, build relationships. #ResuChat

@shannonsmedstad A6: Internships help you stand out when looking for FT careers. So make the MOST of them. Work hard, have fun. #ResuChat

@sparkhire A6 Look for internships in someplace you have never lived before. #ResuChat

Thanks to everyone who participated last night! Be sure to join the conversation with @JackalopeJobs for #ResuChat on Twitter every other Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET!

What do you think? What are some other ways to make the most out of your summer internship?

Find out more in this week’s #ResuChat hosted by InternMatch (@InternMatch), an online platform connecting the best intern candidates and employers. On InternMatch, students discover amazing internship opportunities they would have never otherwise considered.

Employers can showcase their brand across distinct departments, expand meaningful reach to hundreds of colleges, and build a year-round pipeline for their internship programs. While student job seekers can find extensive resources specific to their needs, from internship resume templates to video conversations on how students can network their way to a position with the heads of hiring at Google and Facebook.

Join Jackalope Jobs, InternMatch, and the #ResuChat community for a discussion on getting the most out of your summer internship on Tues., May 7 at 8 p.m. ET. Here are some questions we’ll discuss during #ResuChat:

1. What should young professionals do before they start their summer internships?
2. How can interns track their accomplishments?
3. How can you avoid stereotypical internship tasks, like being the coffee runner?
4. What’s the best way to ask for more responsibility during your summer internship?
5. How can interns extend their time with an organization?
6. What is some other advice for interns this summer?

Be sure to check out #ResuChat May 7 to join the conversation on summer internships. You can also join @JackalopeJobs for #ResuChat on Twitter every other Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET!

Enter our Job Search SOS Giveaway! The purpose of the Job Search SOS Giveaway is to give you, the job seeker, access to valuable learning resources that can help you be a better professional. The contest runs from May 6th to end of day May 10th, and one lucky winner will be randomly selected to receive membership access to some of the most coveted job search resources.

Here’s the nitty gritty:

How to enter

Go online to the Jackalope Jobs page on Facebook from May 6th to end of day May 10th and click on the link to the Job Search SOS tab to access the application. You will be required to “like” the Jackalope Jobs page on Facebook and follow Jackalope Jobs on Twitter. After you submit a completed online entry form, you will receive a total of two entries into the contest, one for “liking” Jackalope Jobs on Facebook, and one for following @JackalopeJobs on Twitter. Both entries are mandatory to enter successfully.

In addition, you can also tweet about the contest through the Job Search SOS application–one tweet per day, which will count for two extra entries each time. Although you can only tweet once per day, you have the opportunity to earn a total of 10 additional entries.

What you’ll get

One randomly selected winner will win the following prize package:

• More info on the full membership access to 1 Degree Hire
• More info to the job search course by Heather R. Huhman – “Find Me A Job: How to Score a Job Before Your Friends”

Other stuff

Entries will be accepted beginning May 6, 2013 at 12:00 a.m. ET until May 11, 2013 at 12:00 am ET. Entrants can be in no way employed in the field of human resources, recruitment, talent management, or career or job search expertise. This contest is solely for job seekers. Check out the full rules here.

We’re looking forward to your entries! Now get going!

What are some different ways social job seekers find work?

The social networking campaign

Campaigning through social networking typically involves using the benefits of the platforms in order to find work. For example, Matthew Epstein’s Google, please hire me campaign used the power of social networking in order to bring awareness to his search. Job seekers can do the same.

The video

Video is another great social approach for social job seekers. Not only are you using visuals instead of text, you’re also showing off your skills through a user-friendly medium. It can also help you to stand out from other candidates since many will typically go the more conventional resume and cover letter approach.

The backwards approach

Let employers come to you through the backwards method. Some job candidates have actually creating platforms that put them in charge of their professional futures, such as an employer audition websites. Though this method may be unusual, it helps job seekers take control of the search since they are the one testing out the employer, not the other way around.

Want to learn more? Check out the full post on Career Enlightenment!

Transition is Hard

The current economic climate is harsh, and many are being confronted with losing their jobs:  layoffs are widespread and frequent in many markets and businesses. This situation occurs periodically in modern economies, and many of us are directly impacted.

There was a time when lifetime employment with one company was common and layoffs were rare. In those days, there was a stigma attached to those affected, and they were sometimes ostracized. In today’s world, with layoffs common, the stigma is gone. The impacted people are viewed more as victims of a business decision rather than selected for personal reasons.

Pick a destination, or a direction

When you discover that you are no longer employed, it’s natural to experience fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD).  After all, you have entered the unknown.  Often, a grieving process is called for.  Hopefully, you will soon come to realize that this is actually an opportunity, a chance to seek out and find your next great destination: that role, or team, or company that will provide joy, meaning, and substance for your working hours.  It could be a continuation of the path and career you’ve been on, or it might be something new, unrelated to your past.  This is an ideal time to contemplate your life goals, your passions, and your dreams.  And it’s also a time to stay grounded in reality.  Economic shifts can change the landscape of opportunity for some skills, geographies, or companies.

In my experience, networking is the essential skill and tool to land your next opportunity.  There are many resources available to job seekers, both in your local area and on the internet.  Be sure and re-connect with all of your former co-workers and friends.  The LinkedIn social network is a tremendous resource, and Jackalope Jobs is a powerful search tool, with lots of good information and links.

Cartoon Physics Can Help

If you’ve spent much time watching animated cartoons, especially classics from Warner Brothers Looney Tunes, Hanna-Barbera, and others, you’ve noticed that those characters don’t follow our world’s idea of physical laws.  When a black hole is painted on a mountain, the hero can run into the tunnel to escape, while the villain either hits the hard rock or gets hit by a train exiting the tunnel.

In job transition, the cartoon physics law to use is suspension of gravity.  Whenever characters run off a cliff or a building into thin air, they never fall until they notice that they are on nothing.  As long as they don’t look down, they don’t fall!

So, my analogy for job transition is this:  while you are employed you are walking on a mountaintop mesa.  When your job terminates, you walk off the mesa and continue walking on air.  Your next position is across the canyon, another mesa in the distance.  As long as you focus on that destination and keep moving, you will cross the canyon safely.  Only when you look down and discover your predicament will you fall.

So, if you know someone in job transition, be sure and tell them “Don’t look down!”  Then, with the puzzled look on their face, you’ll get to explain how cartoon physics relates to their situation.  If you’re in job transition, “Don’t look down!”

About the Author:

Alan Gant is a senior leader of new product development teams in electronics and software, located in the Dallas, Texas area.  He has had a lot of fun helping to create supercomputers, consumer devices, medical instruments and more.  You can find out more at www.linkedin.com/in/alangant/ .

Q1. What are some ways for entry-level job seekers to stand out when they don’t have a ton of experience?

@kavita1010 A1: Highlight the experience you do have, like volunteering and coursework. #ResuChat

@leamcleod School yourself on what the employer needs. Inside and out. Build ur case on the problems and needs they have & how you can help #ResuChat

@hourly A1: NETWORK #ResuChat

@TomBolt A1: Questions short skills and improve them: Study, courses, online. Make yourself into what you want to be. #ResuChat

Q2. How can job seekers explain limited experience in the application process?

@leamcleod A2 Get the conversation to focus on skill sets, your ability to solve problems employer has. #ResuChat

@sweetcareers A2 Look for ways to turn perceived weaknesses into strengths. What do u have to offer that is diff/better than other candidates? #ResuChat

@JessaBahr A1: Show off the skills employers can’t teach; enthusiasm, dedicated, work ethic #ResuChat

@sparkhire A2 Get involved with your career services and get their advice and help! #ResuChat

Q3. What are some alternatives to internships?

@hourly A3: Apprenticeships/mentorships are a GREAT way to learn about your field and get some wisdom #ResuChat

@rshydn A3: Volunteer experience. Nonprofits are always eager to take on new volunteers, which can even be called “internships.” #ResuChat

@leamcleod A3: Any leadership on campus, in acad projects, did you put yourself through school? Start a charity drive? All good work. #ResuChat

@sweetcareers A3 Tho not replacement 4internship, blogging or otherwise writing abt your field can demonstrate passion, excitement for field #ResuChat

Q4. What if job seekers are looking for higher-paying work but have limited experience?

@leamcleod Never say you don’t have the experience, ie don’t make it part of your messaging. Focus on your evidence, and stories. #ResuChat

@JessaBahr Specialize and find a niche market where your skills are worth more money #ResuChat

@rshydn A4: Leverage your connections, take a hiring manager to lunch and interview him/her about company. All about who you know. #ResuChat

@hourly A4: Do your research! What are others in your field in the same area getting paid? Use this to help make your case. #ResuChat

Q5. Can knowing certain skills replace limited experience?

@kavita1010 A5: Yes, if those skills are in-demand. Example: digital marketing #ResuChat

@TomBolt A5: Offset shortcomings by retraining, relearning, gaining more exper. You can’t usually BS the experts who are hiring you. #ResuChat

@leamcleod when Mark Hurd became CEO of HP, he had 2 yrs as ceo of a 6b company, went to run a 120 b company. Experience? Not at same level #ResuChat

@sweetcareers A5 Knew student who hd limited work exp. in specific field, bt was fluent in Spanish – skill set much needed by empl. so got job. #ResuChat

Q6. What are some other pieces of advice for job seekers with limited experience?

@TomBolt A6: Know your abilities and be confident. Know your limitations and overcome them. Then set realistic goals. #ResuChat

@hourly A6: Take free help when you can get it (ie free webinars, online classes, calls with old professors/mentors, meetings, books). #ResuChat

@leamcleod A6 Organizations also want people who fit into their culture. Speak to your ability to fit into the culture. #ResuChat

@sparkhire A6 Always remember that people want to help you. We all started somewhere, and got help along the way. Don’t hesitate to ask. #ResuChat

Thanks to everyone who participated last night! Be sure to join the conversation with @JackalopeJobs for #ResuChat on Twitter every other Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET!

What do you think? What are some other ways job seekers can find jobs with limited experience?

Find out more in this week’s #ResuChat with Lea McLeod, (@leamcleod), founder of Degrees of Transition, a resource which help new grads and recent grads structure a job search so that they can find their first job. Lea was recently named a Top 50 Blog for Young Careerists and is an expert panelist at ManagingAmericans.com in the New Grad category.

Join Jackalope Jobs, Lea, and the #ResuChat community for a discussion on job searching when you’ve got limited experience on Tuesday, April 23 at 8 p.m. ET. Here are some questions we’ll discuss during #ResuChat:

1. What are some ways for entry-level job seekers to stand out when they don’t have a ton of experience?
2. How can job seekers explain limited experience in the application process?
3. What are some alternatives to internships?
4. What if job seekers are looking for higher-paying work but have limited experience?
5. Can knowing certain skills replace limited experience?
6. What are some other pieces of advice for job seekers with limited experience?

Be sure to check out #ResuChat April 23, and join the conversation with @JackalopeJobs for #ResuChat on Twitter every other Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET!