With unemployment rates on the rise , companies can afford to be more selective about the people they hire .
When unemployment is high, job-seekers may need to go where the jobs are , "to make ends meet, to get on with their lives," says John Challenger, CEO of outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christm
Q: I know references are important when applying for a job, but I'm not sure how to use them. What's the best way to ensure they help me?
Most people can think of at least one co-worker with whom they have a massive personality conflict . Unfortunately, if this individual is their boss, college department head or HR representative, at some point they will likely be needed for a vital job reference .
Q: I'm the CEO of a small company of about 200 employees. When business is good, decisions are easy. But now that the economy is in such bad shape , being the one where "the buck stops here" is a lot more difficult.
Many companies have instituted policies to limit the information released about individual employees. The good news is that there are alternative approaches to obtaining references and, despite the policies in place, many employers haven't stopped talking, say career and human-resource experts.
Thousands of job seekers across the U.S. are wondering if they would be better off looking for work in a new location . The question is where?
Services vary widely, so be sure to investigate your options before handing over your credit card