It’s a tough time to be looking for Jobs in Boston. But don’t get discouraged, even in a terrible economy; there are still jobs that are hiring. If you are looking for a “recession proof job”, here are some careers to keep in mind:

· Sales representative jobs are available right now. In tough economic times, a good sales force is a critical way to pull a company out of a downturn.

· Look into health care jobs. Almost half the 30 fastest growing occupations are concentrated health services. In the health industry alone, there are about 30,000 jobs a month. This includes medical assistants, physical therapists, home health aids, as well as several others. Currently there is a shortage of nurses in large part due to aging baby boomers. Advances in medicine also are creating more jobs, patients with diseases are now living longer thanks to new medical breakthroughs, but they require more long-term treatment.

· With the pressing issue of global warming, there is a high demand of jobs involving sustainability of the environment. Companies are trying to make their company more environmentally friendly.

· Network administrators are in demand. This job entails designing and managing the physical and technical structure of company’s communication tools. This includes shared files, e-mail, teleconferencing and company Web sites. Demand is particularly soaring in emerging markets like India and China. International business is an area to look into especially if you have a strong knowledge of other cultures and enjoy traveling.

If you are looking for Jobs in Boston, don’t let the news and what people tell you trouble you: they are out there! Check out some of our earlier posts about networking, following up and other tips that will lead to a successful career.

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In today’s uncertain economy, more and more people are facing layoffs or pay reductions. The process of searching for jobs in Boston can be discouraging to any worker of any age. Trying to keep your head up and survive can be extremely difficult, but you must do your best. During your jobs search, ask yourself these questions:

What am I entitled to? Many people attach a stigma to collecting unemployment benefits. But the truth is, your taxes helped pay for these benefits while you were working, and you have a right to collect them under the law. If you have been laid off from jobs in Massachusetts, contact your local unemployment office to find out what you are entitled to receive. The state unemployment office does not just offer financial benefits, they also have training programs and provide support as you look for a new job.

What can I do for the short-term? If you find your unemployment benefits running out, but you still have no job, consider temporary employment. Temp jobs can often lead to permanent positions, and you will have ready money in the meantime. For finding temporary work, your best bet is to contact a professional employment agency. Boston has many job opportunities, and an employment agency may be the most efficient way to find a good match for your job skills.

Where else can I get help? There are many federal and state programs in place that will assist you during your time of need. Consider contacting your church and letting them know of your circumstances. Many churches offer programs which help with everything from job search support to helping to buy your kids’ Christmas presents. Also, check into the eligibility requirements for food stamps through the U.S. government website.

Most of all, when searching for a job during tough economic times, try to keep your head up and your attitude positive. Don’t take an employer’s failure to hire you personally. Keep plugging away, take advantages of any benefits that you are entitled to and in time you will find yourself gainfully employed in a good job.

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Beginning the search for new jobs in Boston can be an exciting time. Maybe you are fed up with your current employer, or simply want to move up in the industry and need to move on to do so. The problem that many job-seekers have when they start looking, however, is how to keep the search under wraps. No one wants to put their current job in jeopardy by accidentally revealing that they are actively seeking new employment. Here are a few tips to help you search for jobs discreetly:

Don’t use your work contact information. This is a big no-no. Many employers today monitor phone logs and email traffic – and if you have placed numerous calls or sent and/or received emails from potential employers, you could be in big trouble. Use your personal cell phone number and email account on your resume, and you’ll be in good shape.

Don’t post your resume for all to see. Internet job sites offer an easy way to get your resume out there. The problem is you don’t want your current employer to find it! Many sites like Monster do offer blocking devices that allow you to conceal your contact information and the name of the company where you are employed. In some cases, you can block specific companies from seeing this information as well.

Don’t shout it from the rooftops. Be extremely careful who you talk to about your job search. Inevitably, office gossip spreads and your boss may find out that you are looking for a new job.

Don’t make it obvious. If you always wear jeans to work, then show up in a suit and tie one day, people will wonder what you are up to. Try to schedule interviews at the end or beginning of the day, or take a vacation day, and change in your car if necessary.

Of course, one of the best ways to discreetly hunt for a new position is to utilize the experience of a professional employment agency. Boston has plenty of jobs, and an agency can help you keep your search confidential until you are ready to accept an offer.

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So you’re at an interview for a job that you’d really like to get. You have the right experience, and you’ve heard that the company offers fantastic benefits and growth potential. The problem is, the salary you make at your current job is well below what you should be making in that position. When the interviewer inquires about your current salary, you freeze, afraid that they will then offer you less than you are worth. What do you do when an interviewer for jobs in Boston asks you this question?

The first thing is that you want to be honest. The company can certainly find out how much you make, so don’t lie. Not only will they not offer you a higher salary, they most likely won’t offer you the job. On the other hand, there are ways to deftly handle this question and spin the answer to your advantage. For example, you may want to preface the answer with a simple explanation of your lower salary. Maybe your under-compensation is the reason you are seeking another job. Explain to the interviewer why this may be so. Perhaps the company has not given raises for a number of years, maybe you started at a much lower paid position and have not been able to overcome the lower starting salary that has been following you around.

The key is, be honest with your interviewer. Make it clear that your underpayment does not reflect your performance on the job. To prove this, you may want to mention a recent review. Without over explaining, make sure the interviewer knows that your desire is to make more money on this new job, but stress that money is not the only criteria for your job change.

Interviewing for jobs in Boston can present any number of challenges. If you need help focusing your job search, consider contacting a professional employment agency. Boston has many employment opportunities for virtually any type of experience. An employment agency can point you in the right direction to find that perfect position.

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Welcoming a baby is a joyful event. It can also provide a huge challenge, especially for those who are also considering switching jobs.

If you’re thinking about interviewing for Boston jobs and you’re having a baby, there are some tips to follow to make a job move that’s not only good for your career but also your family.

* Be Realistic

You may be unhappy with a current job situation. However, looking for Massachusetts jobs is a job in itself. Therefore, if you’re working and taking on the new role of parent, adding to your plate by looking for Boston jobs at the same time is inviting trouble.

* Know What Your Benefits Are

Take the time to find out what your current company offers in terms in maternity leave. Know your rights and how much time you’re permitted to take off. During your leave is a good time to lay plans for switching jobs.

* Wait to Make Any Changes

While you may be very dissatisfied with your current employment, switching jobs is not recommended if you’re also adding a new member to your family. If you’re having a baby, consider waiting to look for Boston jobs once you’ve gone through your maternity leave. Once that period of time is up, you will have more energy to conduct a full search for another Boston job.

* Get Some Help

If once your maternity leave is over you still want to search for a new job, look for help through a professional employment agency. Boston and the greater Massachusetts area have great job opportunities that recruiters can help you pick through. With the help of an employment agency, you can find what you’re looking for while letting recruiters do most of the initial work.

If you are about to become a parent for the first time or the fifth time and you think you might want to find another job, consider these suggestions. Choosing the right time to make a career move can be the difference between making a happy transition with a new baby or being overwhelmed.

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Did you know that most employers take 10 seconds to peruse a resume? Ten seconds! That means that in a span of a very short time, your resume needs to stand out and beg to be looked at more closely.

When you’re looking for Boston jobs or jobs in Massachusetts, you’re competing in a tough market. Therefore, you need to have a resume that is polished and professional. To make sure your resume is top-notch, ask yourself the following questions.

* Does my resume look professional?

Is my resume on white or cream paper? Am I using a standard font? Is my resume easy to scan and properly formatted? Does my resume look like I threw something together or that it was professionally written?

* Does my resume address the job in question?

Have I highlighted my past experiences that directly relate to the job I’m applying for? Have I successfully shown how I can be an asset to the position I’m hoping to interview for?

* What impression does my resume give?

Are there big gaps in my resume or does it flow? Do I sound professional yet friendly? Is my experience reflective of my ability to work independently as well as on a team? Do I sound like I would make a good future employee?

* Is my experience specific?

Have I given generalizations about what I can do or have I been specific? Do I show, through my words, what I can and have accomplished?

* Is my resume honest?

Have I padded anything on my resume? It’s easy to do but it’s also a big no-no to include untruths on a resume. An employer can easily discover a lie and you’ll risk being labeled a liar if this happens. Always be truthful about what you’ve done and can do. Honesty really is the best policy when it comes to looking for Boston jobs.

Once you’ve answered these questions, consider having a friend or family member look over your resume and answer these questions. A new set of eyes can uncover a lot and give you a different perspective. If you’re still uncertain about your resume, contact your employment agency. Boston recruiters can help you ascertain between what should stay and what needs to be rewritten.

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When you’re looking for Boston jobs, you’re faceless to the employer. A resume, however, puts a “face” with a name and gives a potential employer an idea of what you can bring to a position. With the resume the key to getting an interview for Boston jobs, it’s important to follow a few tips to make your resume easy to read yet give it that extra something that will make it stand out among other resumes.

Paper

It can be tempting to deviate from the standard white or cream paper when printing a resume but avoid the temptation. Even if you’re searching for Boston jobs that require a creative flair, stay with a resume that is on cream or white paper for a professional approach.

Font

Just like paper, it can be hard to resist a fancy or interesting font. However, potential employers have limited time to scan resumes, which makes it essential to print your resume in a font that is easy to read. Stick with common fonts like Times New Roman in 12 point to assure that your resume is scanable and easy on the eyes.

Bullets

A resume needs to be an outline of your past work history, education and skills. An employer doesn’t need a novel on what you’ve accomplished professionally. To give an employer an easy-to-read yet concise summary of what you’ve done, bullet items on your resume. Be specific when writing about what you’ve done and only bullet those things that will really give a sense of what you can do for a new company.

Avoid “I” and “Me”

Instead of writing “I sold 1,000 computers in 2008”, consider writing “sold 1,000 computers in 2008”. By taking out the words “I” and “me”, you sound more professional as well as cut out unnecessary words.

Whether you’re looking specifically for Boston jobs or simply jobs in Massachusetts, be sure your resume looks professional and easy to read. If you’re unsure about your current resume, contact a professional employment agency. Boston recruiters are experts on what catches employers’ attention and we can help you put your best foot forward!

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Walking away from an interview gone bad is a feeling most people can understand. Maybe you simply forgot to mention a project that you worked on, or maybe you were late. Is there any way that you can recover from these errors and cast yourself in a better light to potential employers in Boston jobs?

Often, the only hope you have of rescuing a floundering interview is through a thank you note. Yes, a note, handwritten, that you put a stamp on and mail. Even if your interview went well, this is not a situation where a text message or an email will do. You need to write the note, and mail it quickly.

If you made a faux pas during your interview, there is a chance for you to redeem yourself in your thank you note. For example, if you forgot to mention the award-winning project that you worked on for two years, you can subtly mention the project as yet another “pro” to hiring you.

If you feel that you misrepresented yourself in some way, correct that error in as few words as possible. Use phrases such as “I’d like to be clear about…” Just remember never to use negative phrases or words. These can give the whole note a negative vibe, and leave the employer feeling equally negative about you.

Of course, there are some interview blunders that are better off forgotten. If you were late, don’t make an issue of that in your thank you note. Apologize to the interviewer during your meeting and leave it at that. They may have forgotten and you don’t want to call your tardiness to their attention. You should be able to use your own good judgment to decide what should or should not be included in a thank you note.

Lastly, remember to send the thank you note. Many people have deserted this time-honored tradition, but this just gives you an edge. Send the thank you note, and send it fast. Make them remember who you are and maybe, just maybe, you can redeem any interview errors – and find yourself with a job offer for jobs in Boston. If you are looking for jobs in Massachusetts, contact a professional employment agency. Boston in particular has a thriving job market, so let the pros help you find the job that is right for you.

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Support professionals are the core of every organization. You keep things organized and running smoothly; you’re the person behind every great executive.

While your professional experience may have been key to an organization, it can be difficult to translate your past performance to a resume. Yet having a stand-out resume is important if you’re going to secure a new position and/or promote to the next level within an organization.

If you’re beginning a search for Boston jobs and your work experience has been primarily administrative support, you need to be very specific about how your contributions benefited a company. For example, if you worked as the administrative support for a large group, don’t simply write that you worked for the x department. Instead write that you worked for the x department that employed 250 people, with annual sales of over $25K.

In order to know what specifics to include when looking for jobs in Massachusetts or, more specifically, jobs in Boston, ask yourself the following questions:

* Did you help write and/or institute procedures in your office that resulted in greater productivity and/or sales?

* What technologies are you familiar with? Can you create a PowerPoint presentation? Do you know how to set up a database? Did you work on any database creations that improved overall customer service?

* Did you train staff members? This can include other professional support personal.

* Did you work on projects independently?

* Where you give special assignments and, if so, did you have successful results?

* Are you able to multitask? If so, be specific about the number of duties you performed on a daily basis and what your responsibilities were.

Asking yourself how you contributed to a company will help you begin to unearth specifics on what you can bring to a new position. If you’re still unsure about how to write a resume, ask a professional employment agency. Boston recruiters know what makes resumes stand out and what items cause a resume to be thrown into the reject pile.

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There you are, sitting in an interview for your dream job. Your qualifications are great, your experience is perfect, you’ve answered the questions intelligently and with your characteristic charm and style. You think it’s almost over, when your interview leans in and speaks the dreaded question, “Why do you think we should hire you?”

Your pulse instantly increases – this is one of those questions that people just hate to answer, and a question that often catches candidates for jobs in Boston and around the world off-guard. The best tack to take when asked this question in an interview is to not provide a clever quip or comeback – these people aren’t hiring you for the role of office clown. Instead, think about what that question truly means.

The prospective employer is simply asking you what makes you different, what will make you an asset to the company. In other words, (to paraphrase John F. Kennedy) ask not what the company can do for you, but tell what you can do for the company. Here is your perfect opportunity to sing your own praises in relation to past job experiences. Tell the interviewer about the time you found a way for the company to save money, or how you worked your way up from water bottle boy to veep.

Leave no doubt in your interviewer’s mind about what you have done – and are willing to do, for the good of the company. Make sure they see that you are creative and dedicated, and you will have answered the question well.

In these tough economic times, getting a job can be a difficult endeavor, but a company will see your value if you sell yourself to them. You need to look at the dreaded “why should I hire you?” question as an opportunity – prepare an answer before the interview, and take advantage of this chance to shine.

If you are looking for jobs in Boston, contact a professional employment agency. Boston is teeming with job opportunities – but they may be difficult to find on your own. An agency can do the leg work for you and help you find the ideal job for your experience.

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