Employers, Unemployed Stuck in a Holding Pattern.

A rather harsh assessment of today's job market in a story by ABC News begins "The U.S. labor force has been split into two groups: the relieved and the desperate."

It continues to illustrate that today there is good news and there is bad news. The good news is that there is a lot fewer layoffs than in recent times. Retailers only cut around 5,000 jobs last month. Not bad, when compared to the devastating 50,000 lost that same month two years ago. But still the economy hasn't shown any concrete, significant signs that it is stable in the long-term, and that, well, is the bad news.

Because employers are playing a game of 'wait and see' the confidence needed to engage wide hiring trends hasn't yet materialized. Those who have been unemployed are therefore in their own holding pattern, finding it more and more difficult to find unemployment after months of searching.

The story cites, "A government survey of business payrolls released Friday showed a net gain of only 36,000 jobs in January — barely one-fourth the number needed just to keep pace with population growth."

What's more is that the recession showed employers that they can do more (or just as much) with less, as production numbers have risen during the recession in spite of a lack of hiring.

When will the trend toward hiring really take off? We'll just have to wait and see.

Mastering the Phone Interview in Your Job Hunt

Ah, the phone interview. More and more you're probably getting requests for a preliminary phone interview before you actually meet someone in a face to face interview - which are happening less and less.

While phone interviews can be slightly less nerve-racking than looking a real person in the eye, a lot of tension can still arise as you're sitting and waiting for that phone to ring. All in all, though, they aren't all that different from the usual job interview.

Here's some quick tips to keep in mind for when that calls come through and it's time to answer.

1. Ready, Set, Talk
It's a little obvious, sure, but set some time aside for the interview. Typically, they're about 30 minutes or so. Make sure you're in a quiet, private space, and there aren't going to be any distractions around.

2. It Takes Less Effort to Smile Than It Does To Bomb an Interview
Even though no one is there to see you, make sure you answer the phone with a smile and you keep it on your face as much as you can throughout the call. Smiling with make you seem more pleasant, whether you realize it or not.

3. Do Your Homework
Like any interview, take the time to do some research about the company you're interviewing with before the call. The golden rule is at the least (the very least, mind you) a half an hour of solid research and reading to get an idea of what the company is about for each interview. It'll help you with the inevitable questions that will come at the end.

4. Watch Your Mouth
No, not that rule; that's too obvious. We're talking about smoking, chewing gum, mints, biting nails, eating - all are unacceptable phone interview behaviors. However, it is a good habit to have a glass of water on hand in case your throat gets a little parched.

5. It's Not That Often You Get To Use Crib Notes in an Interview
But in a phone interview, you have that opportunity. After you've done your research, write down some questions and other talking points that you want to bring up. You can even use your computer and have their company website up, along with any marketing materials or social media resources they might have on the Internet. It's not good to rely on resources you have in front of you or read from a script, but it could be helpful to have a couple of things at the ready.

6. Remember How You're Parents Always Told You to Say 'Thank You'...
Yeah, that was good advice. Even though it's a phone interview and you said it at the end of the call, (or at least you should have) after the interview, write a quick e-mail or thank you note to whomever you interviewed with.

More than Meets the Eye in Terms of New Unemployment Numbers

Though the numbers from last week's unemployment report looked hopeful, there's a far less positive side to what they actually mean. Sure, the number of people seeking unemployment decreased, and logic would seem to indicate this means more people are getting jobs. However, further examination shows that more people simply gave up looking for a job, giving into the hopelessness of finding work.

What's more is that the number of those considered to be "long-term unemployed," or those seeking work for longer than six and a half months, is at 6.4 million -- on the brink of tripling that figure's previous high recorded back in 1948.

While some of those who have dropped out of the applicant pool could be baby-boomers reluctantly embracing retirement or individuals seeking a temporary break from the struggle of looking for work, the numbers do not reflect the picture portrayed initially when the report was released. And though there are positives to be gained, it is still important to remember that many are still struggling.

No One is Going to Remember a List; People Remember People

Why Telling Stories About Your Accomplishments and Skills is So Much More Effective in Winning Over an Interviewer

People don't remember numbers or excessive facts, but they do remember a good story. So it makes sense that if you're telling and using stories in your job search and interviews, people are going to remember you too. Pioneered by Robert J. Gerberg, senior consultant at SET, a personal marketing firm working with executives, professionals and managers seeking $100,000 or more, the technique is something SET teaches clients to use. And according to Gerberg, job seekers who tell good stories get real results.

"The idea is to create stories demonstrating the benefits you bring," Gerberg said. Based on findings from more than 5,000 successful client job searches, Gerberg added simply listing skills and experience isn't enough in today's job market. "You must add interest beyond your credentials," he said.

Why is using action-driven stories so beneficial in job interviews? Here are five crucial reasons SET found:

1. They are remembered. People forget the skills and strengths you mention just an hour after an interview ends, but days later, they still remember stories about how you used those strengths
2. They give you a lot of credibility. Anyone can claim they have certain skills and strengths, but when you can back them up with stories of how you used them to contribute, your credibility increases tenfold.
3. You're not 'overselling.' To prepare hard-hitting stories, people need to be specific about the challenges they faced, the precise actions they took to get things done and the outcome. As a result, you are very accurate – neither overstating nor understating your role.
4. It creates a mental picture of how you will contribute. Employers get a firm grasp of the way you operate and how your approach would work for them. It's easier for them to envision you addressing their problems and challenges in the same way you solved similar situations for past employers.
5. You reshape the job to fit you. When you come prepared with seven or eight stories, chances are one or more will be about a strength they haven't specified for the job. You can bring up any of the skills or strengths they haven't asked about, tell your story and persuade them to add it to their criteria. This stacks the odds in your favor because no other candidates will think to do it.

With more than 12 years industry experience, SET is the premiere personal marketing firm for professionals and executives. Visit www.seniorexecutivecareerpartners.com for free videos on the job market; new resume styles producing real results; interviewing tips; and ways for accessing leads and contacts on the Internet.

For additional information, check out Robert J. Gerberg Jr.’s LinkedIN, follow on Twitter, friend on Facebook, watch our videos or read additional blogs.

Four Communication Tips Job Seekers Can Borrow from TV Marketers

Job seekers would do well to use techniques that major advertisers do on TV to sell their products, according to Robert J. Gerberg Jr., CEO of SET. “These things have proven successful over time, which is why they continue to use them,” Robert J. Gerberg added. SET is a personal marketing firm working with executives, professionals and managers seeking $100,000 or more. Here are four things Gerberg advises you borrow:

1. Start with a “communication strategy.” Know ahead of time the overall way you want to present yourself, the key phrases that describe your strengths and themes you will use to emphasize how much you can contribute. Savvy marketers start this way.

2. Know your “selling proposition.” Whether it’s beer, perfume, soap or soda, all advertisers will have one basic “selling proposition” they know they need to get across, like “tastes great, less filling.” In your case, if you had to state it in a sentence, what is the reason an employer should hire you? What benefits do you bring them? How will you contribute? Once you have a short answer, make sure everything else you say reinforces that basic message.

3. Prepare a “30-second commercial.” When you’re asked up front in an interview to talk about yourself or explain why you’d be a good addition, don’t go on at length. Have a 30-second statement prepared that emphasizes your best achievements and the skills and strengths you can bring to the table. Then ask for feedback as to whether that comes close to what they are looking for.

4. Have stories ready. Many commercials on TV use a simple story to make their point, whether it’s a burglar foiled by their alarm system or a woman who falls “out of love” with her old mop after using theirs. People forget lists of strengths, but they remember stories about how you used your strengths. So prepare half a dozen action-oriented stories that tell of the challenges you faced, the actions you took to get past them and the results. They build your credibility, and interviewers will remember them long after the interview ends.

Dead Language: What Words and Terms You Shouldn't Be Using on Your Resume

Team player. Exceeds expectations. Goal oriented. Yawn.

We've seen, read and heard about all these terms a thousand times before, and we'll probably hear all of them a thousand times again. And for employers viewing hundreds of resumes day in and day out, it's a sobering thought to think how often they see certain terms over and over again.

The crew over at Lifehacker (a fantastically resourceful site with stuff about technology, everyday fixes to problems and more) recently compiled a list of words to avoid so it doesn't look like everyone else's.

The words listed were:

• Results-oriented professional
• Cross-functional teams
• More than [x] years of progressively responsible experience
• Superior (or excellent) communication skills
• Strong work ethic
• Met or exceeded expectations
• Proven track record of success
• Works well with all levels of staff
• Team player
• Bottom-line orientation

 Reading the list you might immediately phrases you've heard and probably use. It might be time to give your resume another once over because with more than 30 million resumes in circulation, according to job expert Bob J. Gerberg, you can't afford to be lost in the shuffle.

Get the Gift of Temporary Employment This Holiday Season

With the economy both difficult and picking up, a lot of people are looking for some extra work to make it through this holiday season. The Los Angeles Times recently reported that this season employers could pick up extra temporary workers by as much as 30 percent. Good news for those looking.

In keeping with that, why not share some good tips for those looking for work this time of year.

Make an Impression
It doesn't matter if you're day job is chief executive officer; if you're interested in moonlighting for a coffee shop or a cafe, dress for success and make sure you look and act professional.

You Know What They Say About the Early Bird...
It's never too early to start your search, so the sooner the better. If you haven't started already, do it now. Not tomorrow, not next week. Start right now. It only increases your odds of landing a job.

Location, Location, Location
Look around you, and consider whether or not there's any businesses near your current job or house that would be a good fit for you. It'll make working there even more convenient for you, and it enables you to have a little bit more in terms of hours.

Do What You Know
You'll have a much better chance of getting in the door if you find something related to your experience, interests or even hobbies. While it doesn't have to be exactly what you do for the rest of the 40 hours a week or the same industry, it'll help if you can bring some ideas to the table. And if you're interested in the work you're doing, it'll make working there go from unbearable to unbeatable.

Bring a Resume
OK, so you're resume might show that you're maybe a little overqualified. But temp work isn't about that. Bringing a resume and pointing to your experience and abilities only shows that you really do want the job and have credentials and stability to back it up.

In the End, It All Comes Down to Attitude
Never act like you're doing them a favor working for them or that you're looking for holiday work just because you have to. Always be enthusiastic and positive. Smile a lot. They're looking for someone to perk up the holidays, not the Grinch.