Boost Your Graduate Jobs Boards Business!

More and more employers are using job boards now, and more and more boards are popping up. With all this competition it is important to make the most of the business you get.

Although there are countless factors you might consider when improving your job board, there are four that are absolutely critical to your success. They are:

• Making your job boards cost-effective 

• Making your job boards relevant 

• Giving proper incentives to employers 

• Extra (bonus) services

Make your board more cost-effective 

If a board is not cost-effective, it will not be successful as well. Your price must be comparable to other online recruitment services, and others, such as radio and traditional press. Online advertising is generally more cost-effective than traditional advertising, but be sure the price is right so you do not price yourself out of the market!

Make it relevant 

The better you can match relevant candidates and graduate job listings on your job boards, the more likely agencies and employers will be to invest in ads with your job boards. Here again, make sure the prices are cost-effective and that clients can clearly see the value in what they get. Do this by providing a steady stream of qualified candidates. This is done be getting as much relevant information as possible from the employers before listing the ads. The more specific the ad is, the better to target the right candidates. Targeting lots of the wrong candidates is no better than not attracting any candidates at all. The more you can attract a steady stream of targeted candidates, the more successful you will be.

Give incentives 

In order to encourage repeat business, it is important to reward the businesses that work with you. You can offer volume discounts or flat rates for employers that place lots of ads with you. You can charge one fixed price for a certain amount of ads or a flat rate for unlimited ads. For lower volume clients, you could offer deals such as every fourth ad is complimentary. Don't be afraid to get creative. Brick-and-mortar retail stores often offer frequent shopping cards to encourage repeat business; could you develop a virtual repeat business card?

Offer extras 

Think of other services you can offer besides graduate jobs ads. For example, you might host CV's for prospective employees. This will attract more attractive job seekers and will also demonstrate to your clients the high quality of employees who will see their ads. Along the same lines, you might offer job alerts for employees so they know when the kinds of jobs they seek are available. This will attract a targeted group of employees, which is more attractive to employers.

Graduates: These Are the Most Popular Jobs on the Job Board Right Now!

The slow economy and high unemployment rate means recent graduates are not only fighting with each other in the job market but also they have to compete with those who in years past had a job. Some jobs are more appealing than others. Jobs that pay more are in high demand as well as those who have a lot of slots to fill. Below are some of the fields with the best openings.

Technical 

Since technology is ever changing and ever improving, IT jobs are in high demand. Computer analysts are a commodity to any business that uses technology for communication purposes as well as to run their day to day operations. Networking and communication fields offer entry-level work for those who have just graduated and on the job training. Support personnel for help desks and other trouble shooting positions are also in high demand.

Finance 

In spite of, or maybe because of, the recent banking crises, those who have majored in the finance department are in high demand. Skilled accountants are necessary for keeping accurate records of sales and other business ventures. Many companies are looking for sale agents to help boost their business and gain new customers.

Sales and marketing 

Every business has a marketing department. These are the people who work hard to get a business in the public eye. Along with that they also need sale professionals who can sell advertisement space or any product the business offers. Sales professionals and marketers have to be people persons. As with financial services, commission is a large part of compensation in this field. The more people you talk to, effectively, the more money you will make. Since not everyone can sell a product, this is a skill set in high demand. If you are not really a people person but are more analytical, marketing may be a job sector for you. Market research analysts devise methods for determining which products and services consumers are actually buying. It is their job to anticipate the needs of the consumer and come up with an effective strategy for getting it out there.

Legal 

Many job boards list opening for paralegals. It is the paralegal who actually keeps up with files and briefings. Paralegals often have a basic knowledge of legal matters and can assist a lawyer with a number of responsibilities. The starting salary for a paralegal may be a little less than other jobs on this list, but positions offer great growth potential in a challenging environment.

Health care 

In spite of the fact that hospitals are undergoing extreme cuts, Registered Nurses are still in high demand. Many job boards show openings for RN positions. Other medical field positions around the country such as medical assistants, technicians and physician assistants are seeing growth as well.

Counseling 

Considering the stress the average American is experiencing as a result of the recession and various catastrophes that have happened it is no wonder that we have seen an increase in demand for those in the counseling field. Not only are private mental health facilities seeking counselors, but schools need counselors as well as the military and various other professions. They help to promote a sense of wellbeing in the people they assist whether they are assisting in the academic realm, career field or personal reasons. Counseling and/or education degrees usually lead to such positions.

Next steps 

When you are choosing a job, look at the ones that fit your interests. If you are nauseated by the sight of blood, becoming a Registered Nurse is probably not for you. Instead of choosing a job because of how much it pays, ask yourself if you had to do this for the rest of your life, would this make you happy? It is unfortunate that many people go into fields they do not care for simply because of financial reasons. Consider all aspects of the position you are applying for before you make your decision. Happy hunting.

What Are the Top 10 Skills Graduate Recruiters Look for?

Let's face it: the job market is crowded with applicants. The best way to stand out is to demonstrate you have the skills and experience employers want. Even if you have not yet graduated, you can start now to develop the skills and experience that can land you the job later on.

Although it is important to have specific competencies appropriate to your profession, there are general skills all employers want in graduate recruits. Here are some that many job candidates forget, but that employers value highly.

1. Communication skills: Look at almost any job listing and you will probably notice that good communication skills are required. It is important to be able to speak and write clearly. Just as important, you should know how to listen attentively. This last is a skill many people have not mastered, so evidence of that skill will impress many prospective employers. When writing and speaking, you should be able to get your point across clearly and concisely.

2. Interpersonal skills: Can you work as part of a team? Can you also manage a group of workers, delegating tasks and taking responsibility for the result? If so, these interpersonal skills will take you far. The idea is to build strong working relationships with those around you, from those you might supervise, to clients, to your supervisors.

3. Business sense: No matter what business you are in or what company you work for, you should know that industry and your company inside out. If you can demonstrate a strong understanding of your company's goals and how it operates, you will set yourself ahead of other candidates.

4. Influence and negotiation skills: Sometimes it is important to be able to get your way, and other times it is important to negotiate an outcome everyone is happy with. Combined with the leadership skills above, this is a powerful skill for job candidates to possess.

5. Problem-solving skills: Employers are looking for candidates who can analyze a problem, look at it from many perspectives, and find workable solutions, all with little outside supervision. Mastering this skill will make you very attractive to today's employers.

6. Leadership skills: If you can manage a team, motivate, delegate tasks, and take responsibility for the outcome, prospective employers will be impressed with your leadership skills, even if your entry-level position is not in management.

7. Organizational skills: It is important to be able to prioritize tasks, and manage your time effectively. Meeting deadlines and juggling multiple projects or tasks are also important.

8. Resilience and self-direction: A self-directed employee finds motivation within herself to do a good job. She is able to keep going even when the going gets rough. If you can do all this with a smile on your face as well, then you're on the right track!

9. Crisis and stress management: Most jobs will have crises and stressful situations. It will be necessary to handle these with grace and calm.

10. Self-confidence: Remember there is a difference between self-confident and overconfident or arrogant. That said, though, it is important to have confidence in your abilities and in those around you. After all, if you don't have confidence in yourself, no one else will either.

Get the Right Skills to Get New Job Vacancies After Graduation

People have a common misconception that once you graduate there will be a job waiting for you. Unfortunately, this is not the case. In order to land a job that interests you, you must first look at the vacancies to find out who is hiring and then ask yourself whether or not your possesses the skills to meet the job requirement. Here are some tips for landing a job after graduation.

1. Unless you are applying for a job at McDonald's, it will impress the interviewer if you know a little bit about the company for which you are applying. Training a new employee is difficult enough, training an employee who knows nothing about the job is even more so. If you have knowledge about the company and the job for which you are applying, you will stand out from other applicants. Be sure that you have some skill sets for the job to which you are applying, these are the ones you will most likely here back from first.

2. There are some common skill sets that are necessary in today's job market. Some of the most basic job requirements are knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel. The ability to research facts online is an asset to many companies. Customer service skills are also something a lot of hiring managers look for. If you know how to talk respectfully and cheerfully to a client over the phone, you will be an asset to any company. Some jobs require a particular skill set and knowledge of a particular program. For instance, graphic designers and web developers often have to use Dreamweaver to perform their trade. If you use and have knowledge of these various programs be sure to include them on your resume and mention them in the interview.

3. Although it seems like common sense, the ability to reason through a problem is a quality in high demand. Companies are looking for people who can take a real world situation and come up with a plausible solution by thinking logically and critically. Colleges even offer courses on critical thinking and logic. Although it is important to know how to follow directions and do as you are told, it is even more important to be able to think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas that can push the system forward.

4. Being an innovator and thinking creatively go hand in hand. Creativity surpasses the realm of art and can be an asset to any field. When we do things the same way, we often have the same result. But if someone is able to look at a situation differently and come up with a creative solution, a different result may come about. The ability to think differently is beneficial to any field.

5. Whether you are dealing with customers, fellow employees, or your boss, you must know how to get along with others. No man is a company by himself. In order to run an effective business you must depend on others. Since every business requires you to work with other you must know how to be respectful and patient. Compromise is the word of the day when working with others. If you are someone who feels uncomfortable when talking to others, practice at home in front of a mirror. Remember, first impressions mean everything when you are looking for a job. The way you communicate with others says a lot about you and your ability to work effectively at a common goal.

Thinking Outside of the Box - Interesting Degrees to Complete at College

When you first start thinking about college, you will more than likely have some idea of what you would like to study according to your interest. There are many popular options available including humanities, sciences, art, business, education, literature, music and so on. These are all very traditional disciplines to study and can be quite beneficial as a benchmark for your future. It can be frustrating if you are not interested in any of these subjects and you may wish to direct your passions in more unique areas of study. You will be surprised to learn that you can earn legitimate degrees in more unique subjects too! Here are just a handful of areas you can major in at college.

Toy Design

You may think that this is a pretty straightforward area of study, but it is actually very vast with a variety of facets which involve the design of children's toys. Psychology, 3-D imagery, mechanics, creativity and of course patience are just some of the requirements in this area of study.

Mortuary Science

The study of dead people appeals to many individuals who are fascinated by science and the human body. Once you have received your degree in this subject, you can later become a funeral director or even work in a crime lab.

Cereal Chemistry

Cereal Chemistry is the study of the composition, structure and properties of cereals. In order to study in this field you must have a background and special skills in sciences such as chemistry, mathematics, physics and food science. You have the option of completing a 2 years diploma or 4 year Bachelor's degree, enrolling in a technical University.

Comedy Writing

If you have a flair for writing, why not become a full fledged comedy writer? This is an exciting degree where you study the mechanics of all different types of writing such as situation comedy, performance and of course stand-up comedy writing. Comedy theory is also mastered as well as the history of live and recorded comedy for the specific comedy business. You can complete this degree in a two year program.

There are many other unusual and unique areas of study to learn. You may find some of these interesting!

• Aquaculture

• Railroad Operations

• Equestrian Studies

• Ranching

• Bakery Arts

• Floristry

Choosing a unique subject that interests you and even drives your passion can not only benefit your future goals but can also bring you happiness in knowing that you are studying a subject you love.

Get the Right Skills to Get New Job Vacancies After Graduation

People have a common misconception that once you graduate there will be a job waiting for you. Unfortunately, this is not the case. In order to land a job that interests you, you must first look at the vacancies to find out who is hiring and then ask yourself whether or not your possesses the skills to meet the job requirement. Here are some tips for landing a job after graduation.

1. Unless you are applying for a job at McDonald's, it will impress the interviewer if you know a little bit about the company for which you are applying. Training a new employee is difficult enough, training an employee who knows nothing about the job is even more so. If you have knowledge about the company and the job for which you are applying, you will stand out from other applicants. Be sure that you have some skill sets for the job to which you are applying, these are the ones you will most likely here back from first.

2. There are some common skill sets that are necessary in today's job market. Some of the most basic job requirements are knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel. The ability to research facts online is an asset to many companies. Customer service skills are also something a lot of hiring managers look for. If you know how to talk respectfully and cheerfully to a client over the phone, you will be an asset to any company. Some jobs require a particular skill set and knowledge of a particular program. For instance, graphic designers and web developers often have to use Dreamweaver to perform their trade. If you use and have knowledge of these various programs be sure to include them on your resume and mention them in the interview.

3. Although it seems like common sense, the ability to reason through a problem is a quality in high demand. Companies are looking for people who can take a real world situation and come up with a plausible solution by thinking logically and critically. Colleges even offer courses on critical thinking and logic. Although it is important to know how to follow directions and do as you are told, it is even more important to be able to think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas that can push the system forward.

4. Being an innovator and thinking creatively go hand in hand. Creativity surpasses the realm of art and can be an asset to any field. When we do things the same way, we often have the same result. But if someone is able to look at a situation differently and come up with a creative solution, a different result may come about. The ability to think differently is beneficial to any field.

5. Whether you are dealing with customers, fellow employees, or your boss, you must know how to get along with others. No man is a company by himself. In order to run an effective business you must depend on others. Since every business requires you to work with other you must know how to be respectful and patient. Compromise is the word of the day when working with others. If you are someone who feels uncomfortable when talking to others, practice at home in front of a mirror. Remember, first impressions mean everything when you are looking for a job. The way you communicate with others says a lot about you and your ability to work effectively at a common goal.

How to Explain a Difficult Concept When Teaching

In learning, there are many concepts that are understood on a cognitive level but not necessarily on a practical level. There are a number of teaching strategies that can be employed to teach students difficult concepts. Actively engaging students in the learning process, including group discussions, problem solving, case studies, role plays, journal writing, and structured learning groups are just a few. The benefits to using such activities are many. They include improved critical thinking skills, increased retention and transfer of new information, increased motivation, and improved interpersonal skills. One of the strategies I strive to help students with and find successful is to provide real-world examples that allows the concepts to be seen via application.

In the Human Resources Management courses, there are many theories and techniques that are taught but the key is to understand how those theories and techniques are executed to meet the needs of people. For example, in teaching a class on Organizational Behavior, I will provide or share articles that relate to organizational issues occurring today in Fortune 500 companies that the students can relate to. The articles would be related to the current weekly discussion, and touch on things such as confidentiality and legal matters, development, ethical issues and behavior overall. I ask students to read the articles, give feedback, and ask further questions to help put the concepts into reality. This allows students to think about real life situations and how they would handle something similar, as well as challenges and preconceived notions of what organizational behavior really is.

Another example, in teaching Social and Cultural Diversity, I use relevant movies (Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee - about the struggle that certain Indian tribes went through with being pushed off their land; The Help - about segregation, racism and prejudice), and recently took an article out of the Phoenix Magazine about Mesa, AZ first Black Physician. This physician despite the limited rights given to blacks during the late 1800s and early 1900s was committed to treating people no matter their race. He is being recognized for his service as well as his 1920s house being restored and deemed a landmark. In viewing these movies with the students, I have seen them become more aware of their own prejudices and judgments as well as their own pain. This allows them to put the concepts into reality while making real-life commitments to become more sensitive towards others, challenging those judgments and beginning to see people from different perspectives. This is important because it enables them to understand what it means to be empathetic, what it takes to address an issue and thus what a client might be experiencing and need to be supported on.