Job Seeker
The résumé, the interview, the competition…. let’s face it, sometimes looking for a job stinks. Lucky for you, you’ve come to the right place when it comes to sound advice. When job offers are scarce, yet household bills are not, you need a resource that will tell it like it is, and get you back in the working world…. right away.
Here, you will find a variety of questions and answers that address common (and not so common) situations from people like you – people who are looking for work and need advice on how to get hired. From interview tips to morale boosters, you will find a wealth of information.
If you have a specific question that has not already been posted, please feel free to submit your comments directly on our site. The more interaction, the more Anita can “clue” you in!
Job Talk with Anita Clew 
Jul 07, 2014 @ 11:04:07
Did an online application for Select Staffing and skipped a survey at the end. Now have to start my application over to get to the survey and don’t know how to get to the begining. Try to go to the website for online application to do a new application but it has all my information on it. Please help
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Jul 07, 2014 @ 15:20:25
According to my friends at The Select Family of Staffing Companies, you will have to complete the survey through the branch. Contact the branch nearest you to set up a time to come in. See this map to find a location near you: http://www.selectstaffing.com/site_code/includes_locations/mapping.cfm?site=SS
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Jun 28, 2014 @ 09:17:09
What is the simplest most basic job position for someone who wants to get their start in an accounting career? This is for those who have the book knowledge to do the job, but they do not have any years work experience in the accounting profession coming out of college.
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Jul 01, 2014 @ 08:55:53
Tony, data entry or an accounting clerk would probably be a good place to start. Search for “entry level accounting” on job sites like CareerBuilder.com, Monster.com, and and Indeed.com.
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Jun 24, 2014 @ 16:58:15
Hi Anita! I’ve been freelancing for more than two years; several interviews and no offers. Once I get a job, I stay and succeed — six years on average at each company since starting my career. Sure would love to get in the door! Suggestions?
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Jun 27, 2014 @ 08:07:35
I wish I were a fly on the wall, and could give you constructive criticism on your interview skills. Some people ask for feedback to improve their skills from their interviewers in follow-up correspondence. If you don’t feel comfortable with that, role-play with some trusted friends/former co-workers and ask them how you can come across as a stronger candidate.
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Jun 18, 2014 @ 17:11:04
Hello Anita,
I was terminated from a school districts business position during my probation period. The whole time I was employed I was treated unfairly. My assigned “mentor” did not trained me adequately and gave me little to poor training. I often found myself making lots of mistakes and when it was brought to my attention it was because I didn’t have the sufficient knowledge due to the poor training. I often caught my mentor talking to my supervisor and other coworkers very negative about me. I just stayed quite and carried on doing my work. I never mentioned anything to my supervisor because since I was in probation I didn’t want to give the impression the I was the one with an attitude problem or did not want to accept responsibility. That’s exactly what happened when I received my evaluation. Some of the performance deficiencies read: “Training and assistance from other technicians is not received well. Attitude with coworkers has been poor.” Goals: “Accept mistakes and learn from them”. With that said I am in a situation where I applied for this district under a different department but my application was denied based on my evaluation. Anita I will like to appeal their decision but need help how to start a letter. The truth is that my supervisor and mentor just did not like me personally but I cant write that to them.
Sincerely,
Not giving up!
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Jun 23, 2014 @ 08:57:01
Dear ______,
I am writing to you about your decision in the matter concerning my job application denial and asking for an appeal. I feel that you made this decision without knowing the my side of the evaluation. Please don’t make a final decision without all of the relevant facts. Please consider my appeal, and allow me an opportunity to show you what a valuable employee I could be.
Readers, any other suggestions?
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Jul 01, 2014 @ 09:09:38
Some people should not be mentoring new employees or even do the training. Managers should select the best to do the mentoring and coaching of new employees. You were in a very bad situation (they are called ‘bullies on the job’ and to make matters worst – no backup from management). You are not alone. I say move on and something better will come along. Good Luck!
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Jun 11, 2014 @ 14:16:28
Dear Anita,
I am looking hard for a job. I am behind in all my bills and the apartments that i live in well, they are about to renovate them. I am a high school grad with some college, but still i need a job. I do not have a resume, i have worked at companies like Southco, Uchiyama, Americal, did some fine dining waitress work, Mcdonalds, Pizza Hut, I have a few misdemeanors, that was when me and my ex were together. And that should not stop me from getting a job. I really do want to work I cant wait for a certain job to call me.
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Jun 16, 2014 @ 11:30:02
I did a blog about getting a job with a criminal record, http://anitaclew.com/2010/12/16/finding-jobs-for-ex-felons/. You may also wish to get some career counseling and résumé assistance with your local job center. To find local resources, you may have to think like a thesaurus when you do your online search. Government resources can go by many names, from workforce resource center, career services, employment center, job network… the list goes on. Services can be provided under the auspices of local governments to state economic development departments. If you’re not a master-Googler, start at the national American Job Center for links to some resources: http://jobcenter.usa.gov/find-a-job.
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Jun 10, 2014 @ 06:02:53
Looking for immediate hire. Was Office Assistant for 4 years, Worked in bank for 36 years. Have secretarial/receptionist experience. Can’t find employment. Help please
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Jun 16, 2014 @ 09:51:59
Val, if you haven’t already, check out the job listing with my friends at The Select Family of Staffing Companies: http://jobs.selectfamily.com/. If you have already applied, follow up with the office nearest you. Best of luck!
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Jun 03, 2014 @ 10:22:11
I have a Business Management degree. I have never had an employer interview me and asked questions about that or even for a transcript or grades; why is that ? I drive a taxi employers don’t get what’s involved in it and don’t focus on any other jobs I’ve had or my business degree ?
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Jun 03, 2014 @ 11:00:40
Stanley, Depending on the number of jobs you’ve had since getting your degree, employers will rarely ask you for transcripts. If you currently in job where you are not using your degree to the fullest, be proactive in bringing up the subject of your business management training and how you hope to implement it in the position for which you are applying.
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Jun 12, 2014 @ 19:18:50
Thanks for the info!
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May 30, 2014 @ 10:59:05
I need to make about $500 more a month. I have a computer and was wondering if you could come up with anything I could do out of my apartment in Petaluma maybe in the afternoons?
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May 30, 2014 @ 12:26:41
Kat, There may be work-at-home positions out there, but beware of scams that require you to pay for access to these opportunities. Better to check online job boards for telecommuting and work at home jobs, and do your research on any to which you apply.
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May 30, 2014 @ 10:19:28
Dear Anita,
I recently applied to a job online with a reputable company. I met all the requirements for the position and was interested because it was listed as a work from home opportunity. The work from home feature of the job was exactly the type of opportunity because of my current family life ( caring for a elderly parent).
I was selected for an interview (very excited) and during the interview I wanted confirmation that the position was indeed a work from home opportunity. To my surprise the interviewer stated that it was not . I was shocked by the reply and feel that the company’s integrity was diminished and wonder if this is a sign of what to expect from the company. What are your suggestions for this type of scenario? While I don’t want to miss the opportunity I do feel the old “bait and switch”
Sincerely.,
Integrity Is Important
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May 30, 2014 @ 12:24:06
Dear Integrity, It could have been an innocent mistake when posting a job and forgetting to edit out the “work from home” phrase from a copy-and-paste. But I understand your wariness. If you decide to move forward with the company, I would get the specifics (salary, hours, benefits) in writing before accepting the position.
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May 21, 2014 @ 16:44:11
I Can’t Find a Job . Nobody Wants Me 😦
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May 22, 2014 @ 08:51:29
Maria, don’t be discouraged! It can take time to find the right position. Statistics on how long it takes to land a job are unclear because of many variables. To focus your job search outside of the box, check out my blog: http://anitaclew.com/2014/02/25/how-to-find-jobs-not-advertised-on-the-top-job-boards-part-1/. And if you haven’t considered temp work, give my friends at The Select Family of Staffing Business a try: http://jobs.selectfamily.com/
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May 21, 2014 @ 00:46:35
Hi Anita,
I’m a college student who is interested in getting a summer internship. Do you think it’s too late to apply for any internship? What if I found a internship that I believe that is great for me and for the organization, but I don’t have enough experience in the field yet? How do I build a resume that truly show that I am qualified for the position?
Sincerely,
Clueless College Kid
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May 21, 2014 @ 08:08:23
Dear Clueless, It may not be too late to apply for a summer internship. Check with your university’s career center for availability, and search job boards and craigslist for internship offers. As to your second question, internships are for getting that experience in the field! Apply, apply, apply! What you’ll want to project in your résumé and cover letter is your eagerness to learn, and the character traits that set you apart from others applying for the internship. Best of luck!
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