If you’re getting tired of looking for jobs, your positive demeanor could turn negative in the wrong environment (i.e., the interview).  To maintain a positive attitude throughout your search, it’s a good idea to consider engaging in the following activities during the process:

1. Exercise

Exercising daily, in addition to maintaining a healthful diet, are important under normal conditions.  But when you are working through a tough circumstance such as a job search, stress can create health issues at a faster rate.

To keep your health in check, it’s good to set up a daily exercise routine that incorporates cardio and strength training.  Also, be sure to take vitamins and eat properly.  Good health works wonders in improving your mind and body, while also creating a more positive attitude to carry you through your search.

2. Relax

Many experts equate a job search to a full-time job; at least, that’s the amount of time you’ll need to dedicate to the process each day in order to obtain the results you desire.  There’s nothing wrong with spending a full workday looking for new employment and submitting applications.  But as with a full-time job, you need to take breaks, including lunch, to breathe and rejuvenate.

Be sure to take some time to relax throughout your job-seeking days.  And if you can, try to create a job search schedule so that you don’t constantly overwhelm yourself with thoughts of employment.  Relaxing is the only way that you can rest your mind and recharge for the next day’s searches.

3. Volunteer

Everyone’s home life is unique and allows for certain options, but if you find that you have time in your schedule, then consider volunteering at a local organization a couple of days a week.  There are a number of benefits that can arise from volunteering.

For one thing, you can help someone (or some animal) in need.  Also, you will keep your mind sharp so that you’re ready to hit the ground running when you do find work.  In addition, you get to add your volunteer efforts to your resume to show that you’ve been busy in between jobs.  And finally, you get the opportunity to network with professionals who might be able to help you find your next position.

If you’re able to keep a positive attitude while in between jobs, you’re more likely to maintain this attitude when you’re finally employed.  Don’t let a lack of employment sour your demeanor.  Instead, consider this time as an opportunity to take on new challenges as you wait for your amazing job.

For additional career and job search advice follow us on Twitter @GreatResume.

But what makes a job search in hospitality successful?  How do you narrow down your job searches when there are so many from which to choose?  There are several ways to find the success you deserve in any rewarding hospitality field, especially if you have some helpful tips under your belt.

Research Which Fields Are Booming

Most people who study hospitality have a focus that guides their job search; however, there are times when career options can overlap due to the nature of the industry itself.  For instance, you might have a background in hotel management but find that you can also work in casinos because many double as hotels.

So use your versatility to your advantage as you explore which fields are booming.  Depending on your background, you might find that casinos, cruise ships, and even schools and hospitals have a lot of opportunities for individuals with a hospitality background.

Seek Employers That Match Your Expectations

Job seekers always concern themselves with the expectations of employers.  But to increase your chances of happiness in a job, it’s a good idea to ensure that companies you consider for employment also meet your expectations.

So try looking for organizations, companies, or brands that exemplify what you would look for when dining out, visiting a casino, or staying in a lodging facility.  If the location is clean and the staff is positive and friendly, this could be a sign that you will thrive in this setting.

Write a Convincing Resume

Once you’ve found employers and opportunities you are excited about, it’s time to write some amazing resumes that convince them to call you in for an interview where you can really shine.  Each resume that you write should be tailored to the company you hope to work for, addressing the qualifications each is looking to fulfill.  Since you have already conducted research to determine which companies you like, you can do a better job of pinpointing your own experience and training that match each company’s requirements.

Exercise Patience

While hospitality is one industry that seems to stay afloat and often has a large number of employment opportunities, competition is still steep.  So as you apply for jobs, be sure to exercise patience and keep an open mind about jobs that you may not have envisioned for yourself originally but provide great opportunities for growth.

Hospitality is an amazing industry that offers wonderful career options.  With the right tips in your corner, you’re sure to enjoy a successful career in the industry you love.

For additional tips and advice on resumes and cover letters, follow us on Twitter @GreatResume or visit our blog.

SOCIAL NETWORKING MISTAKES

LinkedIn Mistake #1: Never request to be endorsed by someone you have never professionally or personally worked with, for, or with whom you have conducted business.  It is incredibly unprofessional.  How can someone recommend you and the work you’ve done if they’ve never actually worked with you in some way, shape, or form?

LinkedIn Mistake #2: Posting an unprofessional photo of yourself.  LinkedIn is a professional networking site, so it should be kept professional.  Post a headshot of yourself in a business or business casual outfit.  Don’t upload an image of yourself partying, drinking, or with other people.  Employers will look you up—and you do not want to do anything to eliminate yourself from a potential opportunity.

LinkedIn Mistake #3: Not utilizing job search groups.  There are more groups on LinkedIn than you could possibly imagine, and there’s at least one for just about every career field you can think of—so get connected!  Look up your career field in the search bar and see what kind of groups you can find, and join the ones you like.  I also recommend joining job search groups; it’s another great way to get leads about jobs you never would have heard of otherwise.

Twitter Mistake #1: Not including a bio that speaks to the type of career you’re pursuing.  Twitter is a great way to find job leads, and if you’re not using it you should be!  Follow others who can help you in your job search.

Twitter Mistake #2: Not using hashtags.  Hashtags can surprisingly create job search leads for you that you would not have had otherwise.  Use them!

As you continue in your job search throughout the holiday season, take a few moments to rethink your social networking job search strategy.  Maybe you’re not using social media at all—or maybe you’re a social media pro.  In any case, make sure you’re not committing any of the mistakes listed here.  And above all else … stay positive!  Happy Holidays!

For additional tips and advice on resumes and cover letters, follow us on Twitter @GreatResume or visit our blog.

http://www.careerrocketeer.com/2011/11/2011-hired-for-the-holidays-giveaway.html

Believe it or not, there are a lot of highly qualified executives looking for work just like you, which means you need to give yourself an edge in order to obtain an interview—and hopefully snag a position.  One way to increase your odds is to conduct thorough research on each company as you write your resumes.

Companies Need to Know You Can Help Them

As you already know, companies are in the business of hiring top talent to help their business excel.  As an executive, you play a pivotal role in driving the direction of the company, which means hiring managers need to know you can actually help them before they’ll be willing to hire you.

At the executive level, it is often easy to fall into a pattern of shipping off your resume without tailoring it to a specific company because your qualifications should suit any company’s needs, right?  Actually, nothing could be further from the truth.

Each company has very specific needs, and they want to hire an executive who can meet those needs.  This means it’s up to you to find out what those specific needs are by conducting thorough research, then aligning your qualifications (experience, accomplishments, education, etc.) to those needs.

In addition to reading job postings, reviewing company websites, and even finding press releases and other news on each company, you can identify key challenges, goals, and other critical information to help you write a winning resume that proves you are the right person for the job.

You Need to Know You’re Applying With the Right Companies

Another great reason to conduct company research during your job search is that you need to know that you are sticking with the career plan you devised for yourself years ago.  By jumping on board with a specific company, you have to take on its mission in order to successfully do your job.

If the company conducts business in a way you don’t agree with, has a bad history of customer service, promotes products you don’t like, or simply is known for a troubled organizational culture, unless you will be responsible for correcting these issues, it’s a good idea to continue searching for companies that fall in line with who you are personally and professionally.

Of course, this goal can really only be accomplished by taking a good, close look at the companies you’re interested in working for.  So as you conduct your job search, take the time to research companies to ensure you will be a good match.

For additional tips and advice on resumes and cover letters, follow us on Twitter @GreatResume or visit our blog.

One reason that seekers have had success landing jobs through Twitter is because of the use of hashtags, which function as mini search tools.  They help others find you and your comments based on your use of the number sign (#) followed by specific words (e.g., #lookingforwork).  Let’s take a closer look at how they could help you find a position.

Hashtags Help You to Network Successfully

Hashtags have worked wonders for job seekers attempting to reach out to networks of people in hopes of acquiring help in finding work.  This is because networking has become its own beast on Twitter, and hashtags have functioned as its catalyst.

For instance, if you use the hashtag #finance, and then note that you’re looking to network with others who are seeking work in the field, you’re likely to connect with others who have utilized or searched the same hashtag with the same interest.

Twitter is a community created to communicate and connect with others, so take this opportunity to meet new associates with similar interests.

Hashtags Help Recruiters and Hiring Managers Find You

Another great use of Twitter hashtags is sending out the message that you’re looking for work.  This has been accomplished with great success under the #hirefriday hashtag, which is utilized on Friday to help both recruiters and hiring managers find job candidates who are actively seeking employment.

There are other hashtags out there to help recruiters and hiring managers find seekers if the seekers incorporate them into their tweets.  They include #dreamjob, #hireme, #internship, #laidoff and #jobsearch.

Top Job-Seeking Hashtags

By conducting your own Twitter searches, you’re likely to locate job opportunities that could help you find work.  Here are some popular hashtags companies and recruiters use to lure candidates:  #benefits, #career_fair, #compensation, #hiring, #HR, #interviewing, #jobposting, #recruiting, #resumes, and #training.

And if you’re hoping to draw some attention to your own search, consider these hashtags:  #BA, #CV, #resume, #employment, #jobhunt, #MBA, #needajob and #resume, along with your short message that incorporates a tiny URL linking to your resume.

When using hashtags, it’s good to utilize ones that are likely to be searched by others so that recruiters and networking buddies can find you.  Twitter can indeed function as a playground for the young at heart, but with the right use, it can also function as a vehicle to reenter the workforce.

For additional tips and advice on resumes and cover letters, follow us on Twitter @GreatResume or visit our blog.