Reasons To Look For A New Job: Which Ones Should You Avoid Mentioning?

There are many reasons why you might consider looking for a new job.Maybe circumstances in your life have changed and have necessitated a job change.

Perhaps it's just time to move on from your current job and has nothing to do with timing.
While there are many legitimate reasons for looking for a new job, not every one should be mentioned during a job interview.

Here are some reasons for changing jobs along with some advice regarding which reasons are ones you want to avoid mentioning during an interview.

Reasons For Changing Jobs
1. You lost your last job. Layoffs and firings do happen. When discussing this subject in an interview, the best thing to do is to keep your answer factual and brief. Lying only gets you into trouble.

2. You're underemployed and are looking for something that better matches your skills, experience and career aspirations.

3. You're simply looking for a better opportunity. How do you define "better" though? There could be many answers to this question. If you are looking for a job that better showcases your skills and is more challenging, those are certainly good reasons to search for a new job.

4. You want a job closer to home. Have those long commutes finally gotten to you? Had enough of taking public transit to work? Maybe you'd just like to find a job with a shorter commute.

5. You're travelling too much. Perhaps you are travelling way too much in your current job for your liking and are seeing more airports than you're seeing your own house. Just make sure your next job doesn't end up having the same travel component.

6. You want better long-term prospects. Maybe your current employer is in a dying industry, maybe it's poorly managed, perhaps the long-term viability of the company/industry is in question.

7. You want a bigger/smaller company. The size of the company you work for can often have big implications in your career. You might like the family-like atmosphere of a small company or maybe you prefer a larger firm with more stability and more promotion possibilities.

8. Personal reasons. Perhaps the birth of a child, a recent marriage or another change in your personal life has resulted in you deciding that a fresh start is in order and you're going to start with a new job.

9. You perceive unfairness with how you're being treated. Is you manager treating you unfairly or not being totally honest with you? If you perceive you are being unfairly treated, you might decide this is important enough to look for a new job.

10. You were passed over for a promotion(s). If other people keep moving ahead of you on the corporate ladder, you might read the writing on the wall and believe that your chances for promotion are going to come with a different employer.

11. Ethical reasons. Have you discovered that your company is doing something they shouldn't be or perhaps something you don't wish to be part of? Maybe your company does something that goes against your value structure or that violates your religious beliefs.

Two More Legitimate Reasons For Looking For a New Job...

That You Might Want To Avoid Mentioning During An Interview
While the following two reasons are legitimate reasons for looking for a new job, the might be reasons you don't actually mention during an interview. Some things are simply better left unsaid.

12. You have a problem with your boss/colleagues. Let's face it, some people are just hard to get along with and some of them might view us the same way. Looking for a new job because one or more people you work with are causing you grief is certainly a legitimate reason but I'm not sure I'd mention this during an interview. While it's realistic that we won't get along with everyone we work with, you will need to carefully consider how you refer to this topic during an interview to avoid making it look like you're the one who is hard to get along with.

13. You want/need more money. Maybe you feel you are paid less than what you are worth or perhaps you work for a company that is known for underpaying staff (some companies and industries have this reputation). Maybe your lifestyle requires that you earn more money quickly. While this is a good reason for looking for a new job, it's not a good reason to give during an interview because you will look money motivated and no hiring manager wants to hire someone who will jump for a few dollars. If you're simply looking for a raise, maybe you should first ask your boss for one before you start a job search?

Use your common sense if the reason you're looking for a new job is one that a potential employer might not want to hear and if you think it could ruin your chances at the job.

I'm not suggesting you lie, I'm simply suggesting you carefully consider what you divulge.

Search for a job in Singapore, you can always check out the updated jobs in Singapore WDA job bank where thousands of jobs are available.

9 Keys to Job Search; Career Success

In recent months, the job market has become increasingly competitive. But even as the economy slows, and there are increasing numbers of job seekers in the job market, there are many professionals who have been incredibly successful in conducting fast, effective job searches. These former job seekers have achieved new jobs that are personally, professionally, and financially rewarding. What do they have in common? How are they doing it? Here are nine tips to speed your own job search and drive it to a fast, successful conclusion.

Know what you want and go after it. Starting a job search without knowing what you want will almost certainly end in frustration. Think about it: If you don't know what you want and what your job target is, how will you know who to contact and how to conduct your search? If you are uncertain about your career goals, it is critical that you spend some time and energy now - before launching your search - on self-introspection and analysis. Knowing what YOU want, what YOU are passionate about, and what YOU bring to the table will provide you with a confidence that simply can't and won't be matched by many of your competitors in the job market. This is the crucial first step to any job search and is essential for long-term career success as well.

Know and sell your personal brand. When you think about your next career move, how would things be different for you if employers and recruiters actually sought you out? Personal branding (the process of clarifying and communicating what makes you and your unique value proposition different and special) allows you to make a name for yourself. It differentiates you from your peers and helps to position you as a leader in your field - as a specialist and an authority who knows how to do a job and fill a particular niche in the workplace better than anyone else.

Once you are clear on your personal brand, you can use it to project a cohesive brand image and value proposition throughout all your job search activities, and do so in a way that addresses the specific concerns of your target audience. By knowing and promoting your brand, you achieve instant, precision-like focus that positions you as the ideal candidate for the specific type of opportunity that interests you. You gain immediate competitive advantage.

Be able to clearly articulate who you are and what you have to offer. While this may feel uncomfortable to you, the simple truth is that a job search is a sales and marketing campaign: a sales and marketing campaign in which YOU are the product. Through the process of personal branding (recommended above), you must identify what differentiates you and paint a compelling portrait of your unique value proposition. But, don't stop with just promoting this in your resume and then become tongue-tied when someone asks about you and your candidacy.

You will hear the "what do you do?" or "tell me about yourself?" questions over and over, both during your job search and throughout your entire career. Don't wing it! Preparation is the key to confidence and the key to making a lasting, positive, and memorable first impression. Be ready with a 30-60 second pitch that immediately and confidently conveys to the listener who you are as a professional and what it is that you offer.

Make their first impression your best impression. Take a hard look at your resume. Like it or not, your resume is your first introduction to most employers, and your only chance to make a good first impression. Effective resumes are highly focused marketing pieces that are strategically written and designed to sell YOU as THE best solution to a potential employer's needs and problems. Your resume should be written to convey and illustrate your unique value proposition, with succinct "stories" that differentiate you from your competitors in the job market. Does your resume accomplish these goals? Is it focused effectively? Does it accurately present you in the way that you wish to be presented? If not, it is time to rewrite.

Network, network, network...and then network some more. The statistics are very clear, and while they vary slightly from survey to survey, they are also remarkably consistent. It is safe to say that at least 80% of all the jobs are found through the "hidden" job market, also known as the "unpublished" job market. These are jobs typically landed through word of mouth and referrals as opposed to the hit-or-miss method of answering ads, posting your resume to internet databases, or other techniques meant to target the remaining 20% of all jobs in the published market.

It stands to reason that if the vast majority of the jobs are to be found in this hidden market, that you should spend the majority of your job search time working to crack it. There is no more effective job search technique than networking. So, even if it feels a little uncomfortable at first, just get out there and do it. Make networking a part of your daily routine and plan to spend the majority of your job search time on networking activities (approximately three-fourths of your time is a good estimate). The more you network, the faster your current job search will come to a successful conclusion and the faster and more successful any future job searches will be.

Plan and execute a multi-pronged job search campaign. Yes, networking is essential, but other job search techniques are also important. An effective job search campaign is a multi-pronged one that includes the strategic, planned, methodical use of a variety of job search approaches. Answering ads alone is almost never enough. Neither is working with headhunters, using internet job search sources, or researching and targeting specific employers. But, when you combine all these approaches with networking, carefully evaluate and prioritize the approaches based on relative effectiveness, and then launch an integrated, multi-pronged job search campaign, you will always come out ahead. The best job search is one in which the job seeker approaches it as if it was a job itself.

Build a support team. While your preparation will certainly ease the whole process, job searching can be a grueling and very stressful experience. So, I want to remind you that you don't have to go through it alone. You should build a support team around you of people who can help you stay motivated and on track while giving you honest feedback and helping you stay accountable to the goals you set for yourself. Family and friends, past and present managers, your peers and colleagues, financial advisors, and professionals in the careers industry such as career counselors, coaches, and resume writers all make excellent people to add to your team.

By assembling a good mix of people to support you, from a diversity of backgrounds and professions, you will receive a variety of different perspectives, ideas, and insights that can be very helpful. You should consider joining a job search support club or group - a local one if one is available or an online one. If you have been provided with outplacement services by your former employer, by all means take advantage of the office space and resources offered. The point is that you don't have to and shouldn't conduct your search in isolation. Surround yourself with a team that will help and support you. Above all, recognize when you need support and don't be afraid to ask for assistance and guidance.

Always follow up. Following up on all of your contacts and your activities can do more to influence your success in achieving your job target than anything else. A hand-written thank you note or a more formal, typed thank you letter after speaking with a networking contact, attending an informational interview, or after attending an actual job interview can make a lasting positive impression that gives you a distinct competitive advantage.

A follow-up phone call on every resume you send, whether it is a resume sent cold, in response to an ad, or based on a referral from one of your networking contacts can make all the difference in whether your resume is actually read and considered or not. A consistent method of follow up is key and you must make the time in your schedule to do so. Follow up will positively influence decision-makers, it will help key the process moving along, it will show your interest and your professionalism, and it will position you above the competition.

Adopt a "failure is not an option" attitude and make finding a job a job itself. Celebrate your accomplishments daily and weekly, but recognize that a successful job search requires persistence and consistent effort. The more "feelers" you put out, the more contacts you make, the more resumes you put into the hands of hiring authorities, and the more face-to-face interviews you go on, the faster you will achieve your job target. It can be difficult to remain motivated when you don't immediately see results but remind yourself that job searching is a process and that it takes time. Reward yourself not just for the results, but for the effort.

Searching for a job in Singapore, you can always check out the updated jobs in Singapore WDA jobs bank where thousands of jobs are available.

Positive Affirmations - How They Can Help You Find a Job

In these economically difficult times you may find yourself out of work and unable to find another job. You may be wondering why it is that some people bounce back so quickly and find another job right away, but you cannot. You may become depressed and are unable to cope with this loss of your job,especially if it was a job that you truly enjoyed. You may be angry and find it difficult to let go and move on. This attitude is what holds you back from finding another job. Positive affirmations can help you change this attitude.

The first thing you need to do is to realize that your current way of thinking is not working for you. You need to change the way you think and begin to incorporate positive thinking into your daily life.You can begin to do this by creating positive affirmations that directly relate to you. You need to replace every negative thought with a positive one. If you incorporate these positive affirmations into your daily life you will begin to slowly see a change in your circumstances.

Positive outcomes will begin to occur and you will find a job. If you do not have a job, then create an affirmation to find one. If you do have a job but it is not satisfying, then create an affirmation to find your ideal job. Be realistic.

Here is an example:
"I have a totally satisfying job that pays me well."
I recommend always using the present tense when you create your affirmations. This allows you to have faith that your affirmation will come true. Now there are three basic ways to incorporate positive affirmations into your daily life once you have created them, and I urge you to create an affirmation for every area of your life that is not satisfactory.

• Say your affirmation over and over to yourself.


• Write your affirmations on a piece of paper over and over.


• Say your affirmations out loud in front of a mirror.

I guarantee you that if you actually incorporate positive affirmations into your daily life, you will begin to see a change in your circumstances. You will start to see things in a different light and that new job will be offered to you.

Seeking for a Singapore job, you can always check out the updated jobs in Singapore WDA jobs bank where thousands of jobs are available.

The 5 Steps Of A Job Search

Step One - Plan:

Most people spend more time planning a one to two week vacation than they do planning their lifetime career. When planning for a vacation, you look at where you want to go, what your reason is for wanting to go to that particular place, how long it will take to get there, whether or not you want to take any side trips, what type of budget you will need, and what type of clothes you will need to take. You may also speak with people who have been there to find out a little more about the destination and activities or do some research on the internet or at the library or a travel agency.

It is important to do the same type of planning for a career. You need to take a look at where you want to go and how you are going to get there. You will need to look at: whether or not you need post-secondary education or some type of training. How long will it take you to get the skills you need? What is the best way to get these skills? What kind of money do you require for the life style you want? Think about whether or not you know anyone who is currently working in this field or if you know anyone who knows anyone working in this field. Where else can you go to find out more information?

If you are still in school, speak to a guidance counsellor and ask for information. You can also do informational interviews with people working in the field you are interested in. Another option is speaking with a career counsellor or doing some career tests.

If you are out of school, contact an employment agency to speak with a counsellor or do some personal research at the library as well as networking and making good use of your contacts.

Step Two - Prepare:
Preparing for your job search involves doing a thorough personal inventory to determine your transferable and adaptive skills. Learning more about your skills prepares you so that you will be able to tell an employer the skills you have that match the job that you would like to have. This takes time. It may involve completing a questionnaire or sitting and writing down all the things you have done over the years. This is not simply listing your job description, as most people do more than what is listed on the job description, it also involves activities that you do at home.

Most of us take our skills for granted. We are so used to doing certain tasks that we do not recognize that not everyone can do what we are doing. We also do not always recognize the skills we are using in our daily activities - problem solving, decision making, driving, fixing appliances, preparing food, personal counseling. People may express amazement or be impressed by something that we take for granted. Listen to what they are saying. This is a strong skill for you and may be developed into a career goal.

Once you have reviewed your skills, you can work on developing a 30-second summary of these skills, also known as an "elevator speech", which can be used during a telephone contact, in your cover letter, in an interview, or when talking to friends about your job search.

Preparing also means doing research on companies you might like to work for. This research may be done at the library, through personal contact, informational interviews, reading newspaper articles, or an informal visit or tour.

The development of a targeted resume is another crucial step. A targeted resume is one which highlights specific skills to demonstrate your suitability to an employer. It provides details of your work experiences which match the skills they might require. A cover letter should also be prepared for a targeted employer.

Another part of preparation is reviewing potential interview questions and determining the type of information you want to provide or you may be expected to provide to an employer. Following this, you need to practice speaking about yourself in order to be comfortable in presenting yourself to an employer.

People often think about getting a resume prepared, and maybe a cover letter in response to a job ad, but then they forget about preparing for the interview. Although a good resume and cover letter can get you in the door, the interview is what gets you the job.

Step Three - Practice:
Practice!! How many people would step on the ice in an NHL game without having practiced? How many people would step on stage to sing or act without several rehearsals? How many Olympic athletes would compete without any preparation? Very few, if any - and yet, when we fail to practice our interview techniques, it is comparable to doing one of the above.

Practicing can take place with a friend, family member or a counsellor. There are many books available that provide sample questions and sample answers. Feedback on your interview skills may involve peers, general comments, and/or videotape.

Here are some sample questions for you to use:
·Tell me about yourself.
·What do you look for in a job?
·How long would it take for you to make a meaningful contribution?
·Why are you looking for a new career?
·How would your boss describe you?
·How would your colleagues describe you?
·What were the five most significant accomplishments in your last position?
·What are your strong points?
·What are your weak points?

A videotape is an excellent way for you to see yourself as an employer would see you. You can dress as you would for an interview and have someone you know act as the interviewer. You will then be able to notice how you handle yourself, how you sit, and how you respond to questions. For instance, did you give enough information or too much information. You can also note if you have any habits you are unaware of. This will help you become comfortable in presenting your skills to an employer.
When you think of the years of training it takes a hockey player to reach the skill level of an NHL player, or the years a ballerina spends in practicing before she performs at the NAC, a few hours of practicing your interview/presentation techniques isn't asking too much.

Step Four - Perform:
Think of your interview as a performance. You must prepare for it (research the employer, practice interview questions), dress appropriately (dress for the job you are applying for), and have the proper equipment (copy of resume, references, portfolio, and pen) to show that you are ready to do the job.
The first two to three minutes of your interview are the most important. An employer usually makes a decision based on your appearance and your opening presentation. It is important that you make the most of these precious minutes.

A smile is a big part of your wardrobe. If smiling doesn't come naturally to you, practice in front of a mirror until it feels comfortable. Ensure that your body language doesn't send the wrong message. Don't cross your arms across your chest, or keep checking the clock. Check your appearance, both standing and seated, in a mirror. It is important to try to relax, but do not slouch in your chair. Don't chew gum during your interview, and if you are a smoker, try to have your last cigarette at least 10 minutes before your interview and freshen your breath with a breath mint.

Another important point is to never say anything negative about your previous employer. It may make the employer wonder what you would say about them, and you never know who is related to whom.

Make sure that you have some questions to ask the employer. Not "how much money will I make and how long do I get for vacation?", but questions that show you have researched the employer and have some knowledge of their company. Make a list of potential questions to ask. If the interviewer has been very thorough and you can't think of any questions, at least find out when they will be making a decision and ask if it is OK to follow up.

Here are some sample questions you can ask.
Why is this position open?
What are some of the more difficult problems one would have to face in this position?
What significant changes do you forsee in the near future?
What are some of the objectives you would like to see accomplished in this job?
What are some of the long-term objectives you would like to see completed?
How is one evaluated in this position?
What accounts for success within the company?

Step Five - Post-Mortem:
Once your interview is over, review it in your mind. Was there anything you should have said that you didn't, or anything that you said that you shouldn't have? Make a mental note, or write down how you felt about the interview. By reviewing your interview, you can prepare for the next one.

Once you get home, it's time to prepare a thank you letter. In this letter you thank the interviewer(s) for their time and the opportunity to find out more about the company. Express appreciation for the way they handled the interview, the information provided, etc., as well as expressing your desire to work for the company. If there was anything you forgot to tell them about your skills during the interview, or any information you said you would provide them with, now is your opportunity to do so.

Don't forget to follow up one to two weeks after your interview to indicate that you are still interested in being considered for the position and to check on whether or not a decision has been made. If they have hired, and you are not the successful candidate, ask permission to call back in case there are any other openings in the future and let them know that you would like to be considered.

Remember that you usually have to go through about 200 "no's" before you get to a "yes". Try to keep positive about your job search by sticking with a routine and talking with as many people as possible about looking for work. Let everyone know that you are currently unemployed and tell them the type of work you are looking for. Attend workshops on Job Search or consider joining a Job Finding Club for extra support during your job search.

Searching for a Singapore Jobs, you can always check out the updated jobs in Singapore WDA jobs bank where thousands of jobs are available.

The Federal Job Search Criteria

The federal Job search website has a mission to facilitate government job seekers to locate a job of their choice by walking them through the confusing and laborious maze of the federal employment process. The sea of information available within the government is extremely user-unfriendly and is not easy to understand by anyone, especially young job seekers fresh out of college. The criteria, thus, is to make things simple for job seekers by bringing the wealth of career and job related information to the forefront.

What Should Be Your Criteria To Search For A Government Job?
Having decided to go for a government job, you must decide on a particular type of job to target. The jobs available in Federal Government and State Government are not all same, as the departments are not the same, either.

Where Do I Find Government Jobs?
Bound by constitutional responsibilities and the law of transparency, all government jobs are advertised in public newspapers. All government jobs are advertised in the government's own publications and all newspapers, nationwide if it is Federal recruitment and state and district level newspapers for respective state government agencies.

The Federal Government also runs several websites, of which federal job searches and USA Jobs are prominent. The sites let you register for free with them for various features such as posting your resume and setting up job alerts to be triggered by certain criteria that you set. The alerts are delivered at your given email address safely and securely.

It is very important that you look into the services pages on various websites. For example, some services are premium and limited to paid members only. The Federal job search site also offers a comprehensive resume writing service through certified resume writing professionals.

Look for eligibility criteria before you apply or post your resume on these sites. Although there are specific eligibility criteria set out for independent jobs, there are other general ones applying for all government jobs.

 These are:
o American Nationality
o Veterans eligibility
o Current Federal employees for a change in employment
o Age limitations

Create Multiple Profiles on Government Job Sites

Create multiple profiles for extended opportunities that are permissible on these websites and set individual job alerts for each profile. You can set profiles by your job preferences, such as job location, by career, salary etc.

The Department of Labor, http://www.doleta.gov/, trains all government job seekers by way of training grants awarded through Employment & Training Administration. The grant awardees, individual communities, technical colleges etc are required to train individuals for high growth, highly skilled jobs within the government. This President's grant runs to the tune of over $100 million. This year, is anyone's guess because of a $125 million grant that the agency received.

If you carefully plan for obtaining a government job, you will be successfully, rather easily. To that end, it pays to attend training courses and higher education in your field. Look for your qualification to attend training/certification courses, which are generally available to students, current workers etc.
Though there is not a lot of competition for government jobs, getting through shouldn't be difficult for the right candidate who is sufficiently prepared.

Search for a job in Singapore, you can always check out the latest jobs in Singapore WDA jobs bank where thousands of jobs are available.