Job Search Advice, Resume Writing Tips from a Career Consultant

They are all scheduled events for which contenders will train right up to the coin toss. Teaming with strength coaches and trainers, every waking moment will be dedicated to winning their main events. By the big game, each finalist will know the competition and practice sessions will even include videos of the other's last performance.

Unfortunately job search isn't as user-friendly. It is the one competition in which candidates never have the advantage of a match scheduled in advance nor do they know the identities of their competitors. Job search is the only competitive event in which you'll never see the competition perform and won't even be told the winner, unless you are the winner!

So as you shadow-box your way to a job offer it should become apparent that you need to begin training immediately. There is no better technique to perfect than fielding those dreaded interview questions. We regularly conduct interview boot camps and during practices we see traditionally savvy professionals blossom from tongue-tied deer in the headlights into confident communicators. The process of learning to field questions in a smooth conversational manner requires much practice. It is not an exercise in memorization because canned answers do not impress.

There is no way that you can anticipate each interview question. But you should be aware of the various categories of questions so you can reach into your vault of experience for tales of when you dealt with difficult people, resolved difficult situations or performed in less than perfect circumstances. Learning to field interview questions requires as much training and rehearsal as winning the big game. Candidates will eventually be able to produce smooth responses as they develop quick recall while the question is being asked. You can't fake it till you make it. An interview is no time for thinking only for performing.

Based on the concept of it's not just who you know but who knows you, getting to after-hours job networking groups have proven to really be effective. I am a sponsor and advocate of Scioto Ridge Job Networking Group in the Midwest. Human Resource decision makers and recruiters attend along with job-seekers. What follows are valuable tips to make networking work for you!

1. If unemployed, print your own business cards to use at networking events. Include your contact information with your target market. Example: John Q. Smith, Sales Management.

2. When you collect business cards, follow-up! Note on the back of each card where you met the person and something noteworthy to help you remember him. Schedule a time to meet for coffee to continue building the relationship.

3. Consider networking as a process you do for the life of your career, not just something to do between jobs. Continue to grow your career by building and maintaining relationships.

4. When networking, offer first - take second. Determine what value you can provide others before asking for their help. This way you will leave a very favorable impression.

5. Remember that everyone you meet has the potential to lead you to your target. Most people are only six degrees removed from the person with whom they need to connect.

6. Networking gurus have polished 30-second commercials. Practice your "signature statement" so it sounds natural and conveys the right message in a concise way.

7. Be authentic. No one likes a know-it-all any more than a wallflower. Be yourself and be real. Above all else, remember your manners. Thank those who help you.

Some Report Highlights:

* In 2006, about 59% of women were in the labor force.

* Since early 1980s, women's and men's unemployment rates have continued to be similar; in 2006 they were the same.

* From 1975 to 2000, the rate of working mothers with children under age of 18 rose from 47% to 73%, where it remained in 2006.

* One-third of women in the labor force had college degrees as of 2006.

* In 2006, women accounted for 50.6% of those employed in management, professional, and related occupations.

* Employed Asian women were more likely to work in higher-paying management, professional, and related occupations than White, Black, or Hispanic women in the labor force.

* By industry, more than 50% of women were employed in financial activities, education and health services, and leisure and hospitality.

* Women working full-time in 2006 had median weekly earnings of $600, compared to median income of men at $743 weekly. Earnings of White women were slightly higher than what Asian or Hispanic women earned.

* Women with college degrees earned 81% more than women with only a high school diploma.

Full 2007 report available at: www.bls.gov/cps/wlf-databook-2007.pdf