3 Tips to Keep Job Search Emails Professional

Data shows that 183 billion email messages are sent every day.  That's about 2 million per second. Since about 70% of the emails might be spam and viruses, Recruiters, like most email users, are very quick to decide what's relevant and what should go.   

These 3 tips will help job seekers keep job search emails professional in a tight job market.  

1. Grammar and punctuation still matters.  Too many people spend a lot of time getting a great resume and cover letter together, only to send them to an employer attached to an email that is poorly written.   Everyone makes errors, but proofreading your email before sending will increase the chances of your resume actually being seen. 
2. Make sure the email subject line includes your name and the document attached. Eg Joe Jobseeker – List of References.  Since 70% of emails are spam or viruses, many suspect emails with attachments do not get opened.  Increase your chances by having a clear subject line.  The email marketing industry actually suggests a strong subject line of about 5-7 words.

3. Think seriously about not adding a quote to your professional email address for the job search. If you chose to add one, think about whose quote you use and what the recruiter might think about you when they read it.  The quote WILL inadvertently say something about you.  There will be time for them to get to know you after you are hired.

How to Use a Resume to Augment your Online Job Application!

I hosted a job search workshop at my local library last month and was still a little surprised to see that more than half of the participants did not have resumes.

Many of the job seekers present felt that at a time when they are being directed to hiring kiosks and online applications, there wouldn't be any need for a resume. One job seeker was particularly frustrated as she talked about trips to two major retailers and a local supermarket where she was directed to an in-house computer screen and given very little instructions except to -- "Read the screen".

Of course employers are inundated with applicants in a recession. However, I shared with the group that one of the ways that hiring managers screen through a mountain of applicants, is by connecting with the one or two candidates who go the extra mile. So let's assume you visit your big box retailer knowing you will get sent to the kiosk.

Why not take a copy of a well written resume, in an envelope to hand to a store manager?

If you know they will refer you to the online process, take care of that before you visit the job site. Get help in the privacy of your home or at your library and complete the application on line. Go to customer service, ask to see a manager, introduce yourself and hand them an envelope with your resume. Let them know you have already filled out the online application.

I can almost guarantee that if the manager scans the resume for 30 seconds and sees something they like, they will actually go into their online database and find your application. Of course they can't hire if they have no jobs, but if you want to improve your chances, this is a strategy that can work!

I have seen this approach work.

By the way, this is a great strategy for teenagers hoping to find summer employment.

Get help with resume writing in these other articles.

It's Never Too Late: The Benefits of Adult Education

This guest post is contributed by Katheryn Rivas, who writes on the topics of online universities accredited . She welcomes your comments at her email Id: katherynrivas87@gmail.com .

By now, nobody needs convincing that the economy has seen better days. Although some experts are predicting a bit of bounce-back from the recession in coming months, many Americans are still out of work or struggling to make their jobs worth more. No matter what category you're in, you might want to consider going back to school.

I know what you're thinking. Those of you with degrees think it's a waste of time to go back to school, and those without them think it's too late to do anything about it. But you're both wrong. Whether you're supplementing your current education with a graduate degree or you're a worker looking at getting the bachelor's degree you never achieved, going back to school as an adult can be a smart career choice.

For starters, adult education is a good way to add to your skill set. If you've got a bachelor's degree in business or finance, expanding on it with a master's of business administration or something similar can open more doors for you and make it easier to rise through the ranks of your career field. By the same token, adults with years of working experience but no actual degree can get a lot farther by proving they have the drive and determination to finish their education as well as pursue job opportunities.

Going back to school as an adult has an added bonus not available to younger students: You're still able to work full-time while attending classes at night or in your spare time by earning a degree online. That level of flexibility is what makes it possible to avoid having to choose between staying employed and going to school in the hopes that your degree will get you your old job back or a new job right away. What's more, your employer might be willing to participate in a tuition-reimbursement program if your schooling is related to your job in a specific way. Talk to your manager or human resources department about reimbursement opportunities.

The most important thing to remember about adult education is that it's never too late to make the smart choice for your future. Whether you've always wanted to get your degree or you're looking to step up a level in your schooling, you're never past the point of improving your education.

Working Overseas is Possible!

Anita Santiago at The Workforce Connection offers 5 great resources for an international job search.

Here is what Anita says:

"The key to success in the international job market is defining your career goals and matching those goals to the right opportunity.Whether you work for the U.S. Government, a foreign government or private corporation, an international job may be the path to career advancement and success. International jobs also create unique opportunities to live and learn about others in the global community."

Check out the 5 resources here.