Tips for Finding a New Job in the New Year From CareerBuilder.com
Four-in-Ten Workers Plan to Change Jobs in 2005
CHICAGO, December 21, 2004 - Adding a new job to your New Year's resolutions this
year? Forty-three percent of U.S. workers surveyed by CareerBuilder.com say they plan to
pursue new employment opportunities in 2005. Rosemary Haefner, CareerBuilder.com's
Vice President of Human Resources, offers the following DOs and DON'Ts for landing
that next great position:
JOB SEARCH
Don't let extra holiday portions slow you down. Traditionally, January is a peak
month for job search with the post-holiday rush. Waiting until the fruitcake is finished
can work against you.
Do get a jump on the competition. Many companies still actively recruit over the
holidays to gear up for the coming year. Send in your resume today to be first on their
list to call.
RESUMES
Don't tell your life story in your resume. No one cares about your 6th grade paper
route. Move on.
Do stick to the Cliffs Notes. You have a matter of seconds to sell yourself. Highlight
key skills and, more important, accomplishments in bulleted points. Quantify results
when possible.
COVER LETTERS
Don't bore your audience. Starting off your cover letter the same ole way everyone
does - ie, "I am writing to apply for the job of....,"- is a sure-fire snoozer.
Do make yourself unforgettable. Begin your cover letter with a bold question or bold
statement that speaks to your strengths. Example: "How can your department triple sales
in less than six months? Hire someone who has done it."
INTERVIEWS
Don't talk about fight club Don't go into an interview bad-mouthing your previous
company, supervisor or co-workers. You will most likely be pegged a whiner.
Do strap a lightbulb to your head - Focus on the positive. Show enthusiasm for your
previous job and the one at hand and come in with ideas. Example: If you're in public
relations, prepare ideas for media campaigns the company can implement.
FOLLOW UP
Don't bug'em. Enthusiasm is one thing. Desperation is another - and employers can tell
the difference. If you want to make sure you don't get the job, contact them repeatedly.
Do file a restraining order against yourself. Find out when the hiring decision will be
made and ask about next steps. Follow up with a phone call one week later or on a
designated day. If there is no decision at that time, ask when it would be appropriate for
you to follow up again.
For more tips and advice, visit the Advice & Resources section at
www.careerbuilder.com.
*comScore Media Metrix, October 2004. The CareerBuilder Network is a custom aggregation of CareerBuilder.com
traffic as well as job search traffic to career centers CareerBuilder powers for partner sites such as Tribune Company,
Gannett, Knight Ridder and others.
About CareerBuilder.com
CareerBuilder.com is the nation's leading online job network with more than 15 million
unique visitors and over 600,000 jobs. Owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI),
Tribune Company (NYSE: TRB), and Knight Ridder, Inc. (NYSE: KRI), the company
offers a vast online and print network to help job seekers connect with employers.
CareerBuilder.com powers the online career centers for more than 400 partners that reach
national, local, industry, diversity and niche audiences. These include more than 130
newspapers and leading portals such as America Online and MSN. More than 30,000 of
the nation's top employers take advantage of CareerBuilder.com's easy job postings, 10
million-plus resumes, comprehensive screening tools and more. Millions of job seekers
visit the site every month to search for opportunities, sign up for automatic email job
alerts, and get advice on job hunting and career management. For more information, visit For more information, visit
www.careerbuilder.com
CareerBuilder Media Contact
For all media inquiries and interview requests, contact:
Jennifer Grasz
(P) 773-527-1164
(E) jennifer.grasz@careerbuilder.com
